 	        			Financial Assistance

There is help available…

While pregnancy can be an exciting time, it can
also be a stressful time because of the extra
expenses related to prenatal care and preparing
for a new baby. You and your baby deserve to be
healthy and have the best care available. There is
financial aid and other programs available for
women who need assistance.

State and local health departments, community free
clinics, and other organizations offer medical
care for women during and after pregnancy, and
care for babies and children. There is a special
government program for women, infants, and
children called WIC in every state and territory
in the U.S. WIC provides assistance with food,
nutritional counseling, and access to health
services. After your baby is born, health
insurance is available in each state through the
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) . This
program benefits children under age 18 who do not
have insurance.

Contacting your state or local health department
is a good starting point to find out about what is
available in your area. Your local or state health
department can supply you with information on
health insurance, medical care, and other
programs, along with eligibility requirements. You
can also talk to a social worker at your local
hospital or social service agency for resource
information. Local resource information can also
be found in the phone book and on the Internet.

This page last updated: October 2004
Source: Womenshealth.gov