Having a baby
What to do first
- Check if you can get Medicaid or CHIP for you and your baby.
- Apply for WIC for healthy food, formula and nutrition help.
- Add your baby to your health plan soon after the birth.
- Ask for your baby's Social Security number at the hospital.
- Ask your job about leave before the baby comes.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
60 days
Health coverage
A new baby lets you sign up for a Marketplace plan or change yours. You have 60 days after the birth, and coverage can start on the day of the birth.
Source: HealthCare.gov
Help from Massachusetts
Massachusetts programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
MassHealth
MassHealth
In Massachusetts, Medicaid is called MassHealth.
MassHealth provides health coverage to eligible Massachusetts residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
MassHealth
MassHealth CHIP
In Massachusetts, CHIP is called MassHealth.
MassHealth covers eligible children and teens through the Children's Health Insurance Program.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department of Public Health
Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program
WIC provides food, nutrition education, and support to eligible pregnant people, infants, and young children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Department of Transitional Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Massachusetts Health Connector
Massachusetts Health Connector
In Massachusetts, the health insurance marketplace is called Health Connector.
The Health Connector helps residents compare and enroll in private health and dental plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department of Family and Medical Leave
Paid Family and Medical Leave
PFML provides eligible workers paid time away from work for certain family or medical needs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
Child Care Financial Assistance
Child care financial assistance helps eligible families pay for child care and out-of-school programs.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Department of Transitional Assistance
Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children
In Massachusetts, TANF is called TAFDC.
TAFDC gives eligible families with children cash assistance and related supports.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
SSA.gov
Your baby's Social Security number
The easiest way is at the hospital. When you give the information for the birth certificate, ask for a Social Security number too.
DOL.gov
Unpaid leave that protects your job
The Family and Medical Leave Act lets many workers take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a year and keep their job. Reasons include a new baby, your own serious health condition, and caring for a spouse, child or parent who is seriously ill.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Head Start and Early Head Start
Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Find a program near you with the Head Start locator and contact it to apply.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- Mass 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988