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The First Steps Program

How to Apply

First Steps Program


  • Use the Benefit Finder to see if you qualify for First Steps pregnancy medical and apply online.

  • Call the Family Health Hotline: 1-800-322-2588 if you have questions about the program.

  • You can also apply at your local DSHS Community Service Office. Be sure to tell them you are pregnant.

The First Steps Program provides free medical insurance (prenatal medical, comprehensive dental and limited vision coverage), Maternity Support Services (MSS), Infant Case Management (ICM), Childbirth Education (CBE) and many other services to eligible women and infants.

For more details regarding covered services, especially for pregnant women under age 21, please contact the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

Learn more about each service below:

Free Medical Insurance

For eligible women, the following medical services are available during pregnancy and for two months after your pregnancy ends:

  • All medical care, including prenatal care, delivery and post pregnancy follow-up by a medical provider
  • Emergency dental care
  • Limited vision care

For the baby, the following medical services are available:

  • One year of full medical care for your newborn

Transportation to and from all medical appointments is available and interpreter services are also available.

Do I Qualify?

The First Steps Program uses your income to see if you qualify. You can apply to see if you qualify as soon as you know you are pregnant.

You may be eligible even if you are working, in the military, a single parent, or living with your parents. The program is available to both citizen and non-citizen pregnant women and for newborns through age one.

Income Guidelines:

Add one family member for each unborn child

Family Size Monthly Income
1 n/a
2 $2,268
3 $2,856
4 $3,447
5 $4,035
6 $4,623
7 $5,213
8 $5,802
9 $6,390
10 $6,978
11+ $588 each

Income Guidelines effective April 1, 2011


Do you live in Clark County?

Clark County Public Health has a program to connect pregnant women with prenatal resources. The Pregnancy Partners Program can help you:

  • Apply for free health insurance for your pregnancy
  • Find a prenatal provider and make an appointment
  • Connect you to other free and low cost resources

To learn more about Pregnancy Partners call (360) 397-8254

Maternity Support Services (MSS)

Maternity Support Services, also called MSS, are available to eligible women anytime during pregnancy and continue 2 months after the pregnancy ends. MSS is offered in addition to the medical and prenatal care. Services are provided by a team made up of community health nurse, dietitian, counselor and community health workers. All clients are screened for possible pregnancy risk factors. After a screening is completed, the MSS team creates a personalized care plan for each client. All clients receive advice on having a healthy pregnancy, parenting information and, if needed, will be helped to connect with other community services.

Here are some examples of topics that might be discussed during an MSS visit:

  • Ways to take care of yourself and your family
  • Information and support about how to feed and take care of a newborn
  • Techniques for reducing stress
  • How to eat healthy on a budget
  • Tips to have a healthy weight during and after pregnancy
  • Pregnancy warning signs and what to do
  • Understanding family planning and choosing a birth control method
  • Quitting tobacco and tips on protecting yourself and family from second hand smoke

MSS appointments can be held in your home, an office, or another safe place.

Transportation to and from all MSS appointments is available and interpreter services are also available.

Find a local First Steps provider in your area.

Infant Case Management (ICM)

Infant Case Management, also called ICM, is available for eligible infants and their parent(s) from the time the baby is 3 months old through his or her first birthday. An Infant Case Manager will give you information, and if needed, help to access medical, social, educational, and other services for you and your baby. ICM includes:

  • Home and office visits
  • Screening
  • Referral and advocacy

Transportation to and from all ICM appointments is available and interpreter services are also available.

Childbirth Education Classes (CBE)

Eligible pregnant women and their support person(s) can attend group childbirth education (CBE) classes for free when the classes are taught by a DSHS approved CBE educator. CBE usually starts during the 3rd trimester and the topics include:

  • How to have a healthy pregnancy
  • Warning signs in pregnancy and what to do
  • Preparing to breastfeed
  • Developing your own birth plan
  • What to expect during labor and delivery, how to manage pain and a hospital tour
  • Newborn care and changes to expect at home after baby is born

Transportation to and from all CBE appointments is available and interpreter services are also available.

To find a childbirth class in your area, call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

Other Services

The following additional services are available through the First Steps Program:

Family Planning

After 2 months post pregnancy, women receive a Medical ID card for family planning and/or birth control. The family planning coverage will continue for 10 months after other First Steps medical and MSS benefits end.

Alcohol and Drug Services

The First Steps Program can help Medicaid eligible women access alcohol and drug assessments, as well as treatment services. Pregnant and parenting women are a priority population for these services through the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery. For more information about these services, call 360-725-3740.

You may be eligible even if you are working, in the military, a single parent, or living with your parents. The program is available to both citizen and non-citizen pregnant women and for newborns through age one.