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 Montana
Montana programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Montana Medicaid
Montana Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Healthy Montana Kids
In Montana, CHIP is called HMK.
Healthy Montana Kids gives free or low-cost health coverage to children and teens.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program
In Montana, WIC is called Montana WIC.
WIC provides food benefits and nutrition support to eligible pregnant and postpartum people, infants, and children under five.
Ways to apply:In person
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households buy food using monthly benefits.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Montana Office of the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance
Cover Montana Marketplace Assistance
In Montana, the health insurance marketplace is called Cover Montana.
Cover Montana provides information and enrollment assistance for coverage through HealthCare.gov.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship
The scholarship helps eligible families pay for child care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides temporary cash assistance to eligible families with children.
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.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
HealthCare.gov
The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.
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
- Montana 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