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 Minnesota
Minnesota programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Medical Assistance
In Minnesota, Medicaid is called MA.
Medical Assistance is Minnesota's Medicaid program and provides free health coverage to eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services
MinnesotaCare
In Minnesota, CHIP is called MinnesotaCare.
MinnesotaCare provides low-cost health coverage to eligible residents who do not qualify for Medical Assistance.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Health
Women, Infants, and Children
WIC provides food benefits, nutrition support, and breastfeeding help to eligible pregnant people, new parents, infants, and young children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for groceries using an electronic benefits card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
MNsure
Qualified health plan coverage through MNsure
In Minnesota, the health insurance marketplace is called Qualified health plan coverage through MNsure.
MNsure is Minnesota's marketplace where residents can compare and enroll in private health plans, with financial help when eligible.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Minnesota Paid Leave
Minnesota Paid Leave provides eligible workers paid time away from work for qualifying family or medical needs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Child Care Assistance Program
CCAP helps eligible families pay for child care while they work, attend school, look for work, or follow an employment plan.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Minnesota Family Investment Program
In Minnesota, TANF is called MFIP.
MFIP provides cash and food assistance to eligible families with children while supporting work and family stability.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn 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
- United Way 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