The short version
- Pregnancy Medicaid has higher income limits than regular Medicaid. In California it's up to 213% of the federal poverty level, Texas 198%, New York 223% and Florida about 191%.
- All four states now cover you for 12 months after the baby is born, and changes in your income don't end that coverage.
- Medicaid also opens the door to free baby stuff: a breast pump, WIC food and formula, and extras from your health plan such as car seats.
- Not sure you qualify? Apply anyway. Many families who earn too much for regular Medicaid still qualify while pregnant.
If you're pregnant and money is tight, Medicaid is the single biggest source of free help, and it's more generous during pregnancy than most people realize. The rules are set by each state, so here's how pregnancy Medicaid works in the four biggest states, and the free baby stuff that comes with it.
Pregnancy Medicaid by state at a glance
| State | Program | Income limit while pregnant | After the birth | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Medi-Cal | Up to 213% of the federal poverty level | 12 months | BenefitsCal, Covered California or your county office |
| Texas | Medicaid for Pregnant Women | Up to 198% | 12 months | YourTexasBenefits.com |
| Florida | Medicaid for Pregnant Women | About 191% (check Florida's income chart for your household size) | 12 months | ACCESS Florida |
| New York | Medicaid | Up to 223% | 12 months | NY State of Health or your local social services office |
The federal poverty level depends on household size, so the dollar limit is higher for bigger households. If you're close, apply anyway and let the state work it out.
California: Medi-Cal
In California, pregnant applicants with household income up to 213% of the federal poverty level qualify for Medi-Cal. Once you're covered, you stay covered through the pregnancy and for 12 months after it ends, whatever happens to your income, citizenship or immigration status in that time.
Apply online through BenefitsCal or Covered California, or at your county social services office.
Texas: Medicaid for Pregnant Women and CHIP Perinatal
Texas covers pregnant women who are US citizens or qualified immigrants with household income up to 198% of the federal poverty level. Coverage lasts through the pregnancy and up to 12 months after the baby is born. Before it ends, Texas automatically checks whether you qualify for Healthy Texas Women, which continues some care.
If you don't qualify for Medicaid, CHIP Perinatal covers prenatal care for your unborn baby when household income is up to 202% of the poverty level. It also includes two doctor visits within 60 days after the pregnancy ends.
Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com.
Florida: Medicaid for Pregnant Women
Florida provides Medicaid during pregnancy and for a 12-month postpartum period. Once you're eligible, a change in income doesn't end your coverage. Florida's agency describes extended postpartum coverage for households up to about 191% of the federal poverty level. The exact dollar limits are on Florida's Family-Related Medicaid income chart.
Florida also offers presumptive eligibility, which can start your prenatal care quickly while your full application is processed.
Apply online through ACCESS Florida, at a Family Resource Center, or by calling 850-300-4DCF (4323).
New York: Medicaid
New York covers pregnant people with household income up to 223% of the federal poverty level, one of the higher limits in the country. Everyone enrolled in Medicaid during pregnancy keeps their coverage for 12 months after the pregnancy ends, even if their income changes.
Apply through NY State of Health or your local department of social services.
The free baby stuff that comes with Medicaid
Getting covered is just the start. Medicaid also unlocks some of the best free baby stuff available.
Many Medicaid managed care plans add free extras for members who are pregnant or have a new baby, such as car seats, cribs or pack-and-plays, diapers and gift cards for going to prenatal and well-baby visits. What you get depends on your plan, so call the member services number on your card and ask what they offer.
Medicaid has its own breast pump coverage. Ask your doctor or your plan how to order one.
If you're on Medicaid, you usually meet WIC's income rules automatically. WIC gives you healthy food, infant formula and breastfeeding support during pregnancy and until your child turns 5.
For everything else, see our full guide to free baby stuff with Medicaid and other help for low-income families, and what you can get through insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the income limit for pregnancy Medicaid?
It depends on your state. California covers pregnancy up to 213% of the federal poverty level, Texas 198%, New York 223% and Florida about 191%. The dollar amount depends on your household size.
How long does pregnancy Medicaid last after the baby is born?
In California, Texas, Florida and New York, coverage continues for 12 months after the pregnancy ends, and a change in income doesn't end it.
What if I earn too much for Medicaid in Texas?
CHIP Perinatal covers prenatal care for your unborn baby when household income is up to 202% of the federal poverty level, plus two doctor visits within 60 days after the pregnancy ends.
What free baby stuff can I get with Medicaid?
Medicaid has its own breast pump coverage, you usually meet WIC's income rules automatically, and many Medicaid health plans add extras like car seats, cribs, diapers or gift cards for going to checkups. Ask your plan what it offers.
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