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 Tennessee
Tennessee programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Tennessee Division of TennCare
TennCare
In Tennessee, Medicaid is called TennCare.
TennCare provides health coverage to eligible Tennesseans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Tennessee Division of TennCare
CoverKids
In Tennessee, CHIP is called CoverKids.
CoverKids provides health coverage for eligible children and pregnant women.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Tennessee Department of Health
Tennessee Women, Infants, and Children Program
WIC provides food benefits, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to eligible pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Tennessee Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Tennessee Department of Human Services
Child Care Payment Assistance
Child care assistance helps eligible families pay for child care while they work or attend approved activities.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Tennessee Department of Human Services
Families First
In Tennessee, TANF is called Families First.
Families First provides temporary cash assistance and work supports to eligible families with children.
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.
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
- Tennessee 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