Insurance and Financial Resources

You will want to check on medical insurance available in your state. These programs go by many different names and titles- they can be either state assisted or other programs such as the AIM™ program available in California.

The AIM™ program is designed for people in middle income brackets, who don’t have health insurance and whose income is too high to qualify for no cost Medi-Cal. AIM™ is also available if you have health insurance when your deductible or co-payment for maternity services is more than $500. Your Lifetime Adoption coordinator can help you with more details.

Often you can find this kind of financial information in the front of the phone book or call your adoption coordinator for assistance on financial help for pregnant women. Read more about the numerous financial resources available for pregnant women below, including insurance for pregnant women and after-birth counseling.

WIC: Women, Infant and Children Program – Here is who is eligible:

• Pregnant women – through pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth or after pregnancy ends.
• Breastfeeding women, up to the infant’s 1st birthday.
• Non breastfeeding postpartum women, up to 6 months after the birth of an infant or after pregnancy ends.
• Infants, up to 1st birthday.
• Children up to their 5th birthday.

WIC Benefits:

The following benefits are provided to WIC participants:

• Supplemental nutritious foods.
• Nutrition education and counseling at WIC clinics.
• Screening and referrals to other health, welfare and social services.

How to Apply for WIC: For eligibility requirements and income eligibility guidelines contact WIC in your area. Most women qualify. Click here for more details.

Medicaid:

Medicaid may pay for your prenatal care. Medicaid eligibility income limits are increased for pregnant women in all states to provide prenatal care (including HIV treatment, if necessary) to assure the healthiest possible pregnancy. To find out if you meet the expanded eligibility requirements, contact your local or county medical assistance, welfare, or social services office. The number should be listed in the blue pages of your telephone directory. If you are unable to find that number, contact your State Medicaid Office or call 877-267-2323.

Medi-Cal:

In California the state funded program is called Medi-Cal. The Medi-Cal program provides free or low-cost pregnancy-related health care coverage for low-income women. You may receive these services from a Medi-Cal doctor of your choice. This is a comprehensive preventative care service including: primary and specialty care, medical office visits, vision and dental care, mental health services, hospitalization, prescription medicines, and pregnancy and postpartum related services. You may apply at the local Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) Office or at many clinics, schools and service agencies in your community. To be eligible for the program, the family’s income must be AT or BELOW the income limit specified for the family size.

Many states do not use income to establish eligibility. You may be able to earn more income than is shown above in your state and still be eligible. Contact your local or county medical assistance, welfare, or social services office to see if you qualify. If you make more than this amount contact your adoption coordinator for alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can an individual receive services if he/she has other health insurance?
Yes
Is citizenship or legal residency required?
No

MEDI-CAL MANAGED CARE (LA Area Only)

L.A. CARE (888) 452-2273
HEALTH NET (800) 675-6110

If you receive Medi-Cal, you may join one of many health plans which provide quality medical care. The health plans in Los Angeles are divided into two managed care organizations: L.A. CARE and Health Net.

If you are in California and you have any questions/problems with one of the plans in which you are enrolled call:

HEALTH CARE OPTIONS – 1(800) 430-4263

If you still have a problem with your health plan call:

MEDI-CAL MANAGED CARE OMBUDSMAN – 1(800) 452-8609
Medi-Cal Managed Care Information Line 1(213) 532-3919 

FREE AND LOW-COST HEALTH SERVICES
(800) 427-8700
Website:  www.dhcs.ca.gov/services

If you need medical services, they are available at public and private clinics, hospitals and many other locations and can be provided at no cost depending on your income. Medical services including tests and prescriptions are provided on an ability-to-pay basis. Please call the above telephone number or visit the Department of Health Services Website for the location nearest you.

BABY CAL
1 (800) BABY-999
1 (800) 222-9999

If you are pregnant and need information about prenatal care and other state related programs, this information line can help you find the care you need
BABY-N-U
1 (800) 4-BABY-N-U
1 (800) 422-2968
If you are pregnant and need information and referrals about various prenatal health care services, this information line can help you find the care you need.

Illegal and legal immigrant women: We work with many low-income pregnant immigrant women, but find some are still reluctant to seek free medical care. It is important you share your status with your adoption coordinator to allow them to help you with your prenatal care and other needs. Many women with serious illnesses won’t seek medical help because they are afraid they will be deported or that their family will be deported or be in trouble. This is not true. You are safe and secure and your status will not be affected and you can still get help.

Counseling: For counseling contact Lifetime’s office by calling 1-800-923-6784. You may speak to a counselor by phone or we can arrange for you to meet a counselor in person- the choice is yours and is often determined by where you live and if you have other children. Many women with small children choose counseling by phone as child care is often difficult to find.