Eligibility

• Your eligibility for Medicaid coverage while pregnant is based on your income, household size and available financial resources. Depending on your state of residence, your income must be between 133 percent and 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Limit for your family size. For example, as of 2011, a family of four in Utah could earn a maximum of $2,444 per month and qualify for Medicaid while the same family in North Carolina could earn $3,446 per month. The amount of financial resources you may have, including bank accounts, cash or real property, also varies from state to state.
  
  

Covered Services

• Medicaid covers all costs related specifically to prenatal care during your pregnancy and postnatal care for up to 60 days following delivery, which includes regular checkups, specialized tests, prescription medications, pregnancy-related health complications, costs related to labor and delivery and postnatal followup care. Depending on your state, you may also be eligible to receive dental care, eye care, clinical services, nutrition education and assistance, child-birthing classes, parenting education, transportation services for medical appointments and postnatal home visits from lactation consultants and other support staff. Some states, such as South Carolina, also provide Medicaid coverage for aftercare if you have recently experienced a miscarriage.
  
  

Applying for Medicaid

• Applications for Medicaid must be submitted to the appropriate government agency in your state. Typically, you may submit your application through the Department of Health or the Department of Social Services in the city or county in which you live. When you apply, you must provide a copy of your birth certificate, your social security card, bank statements, your most recent month's pay stubs, a list of any assets you may own, including real estate or vehicles and a statement of any other sources of income you may have, including child support, alimony or government assistance.
  
  

Considerations

• Obtaining Medicaid coverage by intentionally providing false or misleading information is considered fraud and is punishable by fines and/or incarceration. Children born to qualifying mothers are automatically eligible to receive Medicaid coverage until they are 12 months old. Once children reach their first birthday, you must complete a new application for Medicaid. Many states offer a spend-down program for pregnant women whose income or resources exceed the allowed limit. For example, pregnant women in Utah who don't qualify for regular Medicaid can still qualify for health coverage by paying a percentage of their medical bills each month. Contact your local health department to determine which type of assistance you're eligible to receive.