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 Wisconsin
Wisconsin programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
BadgerCare Plus and Wisconsin Medicaid
In Wisconsin, Medicaid is called BadgerCare Plus.
BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid provide health coverage to eligible Wisconsin residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
BadgerCare Plus CHIP coverage
In Wisconsin, CHIP is called BadgerCare Plus.
Eligible children and pregnant people receive CHIP-funded coverage through BadgerCare Plus.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Women, Infants, and Children
WIC provides food benefits, nutrition support, and referrals to eligible pregnant and postpartum people, infants, and young children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
FoodShare
In Wisconsin, SNAP is called FoodShare.
FoodShare helps eligible households buy groceries using monthly benefits.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
Health Insurance Marketplace
Wisconsin residents can compare and enroll in private health plans through the federal Marketplace.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Wisconsin Family and Medical Leave
Eligible workers can take protected family or medical leave, which is generally unpaid unless they use other available paid leave.
Ways to apply:PhonePaper
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program
Wisconsin Shares helps eligible families pay for child care while they work, study, or take part in approved training.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Wisconsin Works
In Wisconsin, TANF is called W-2.
W-2 provides eligible parents and pregnant people with employment services and cash assistance.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn 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
- 211 Wisconsin
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