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Alabama

Pregnancy, birth and the first year in Alabama, in 14 topics: from who runs maternal and child health to what happens at your newborn's screening.

State Maternal and Child Health Programs

State program focused on perinatal care include

  1. Alabama Medicaid Maternity Program

Description: Provides comprehensive healthcare coverage for pregnant women, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum services. Care is coordinated through the Alabama Coordinated Health Network (ACHN) to improve maternal and infant outcomes.
Eligibility: Based on income; typically covers women up to 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Coverage Includes

Doctor visits, lab tests, ultrasounds
Hospital delivery
Postpartum check-ups and family planning
How to Apply: Submit an application online or at your local health department
Learn More: Alabama Medicaid Maternity Program

  1. ALL Babies Program

Description: A low-cost insurance program that provides maternity care for pregnant women and their newborns who do not qualify for full Medicaid but meet certain income criteria (133%-141% of the FPL). Services are administered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.

Coverage Includes

Regular doctor visits
Hospital delivery
Postpartum care (up to 2 months)
Newborn care and family planning services
Cost: Sliding scale based on income.
Learn More: ALL Babies Program

  1. ALL Kids (CHIP)

Description: The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Alabama, offering low-cost insurance for children up to age 19. Designed for families earning too much for Medicaid but unable to afford private insurance.

Coverage Includes

Preventative care (check-ups, vaccines)
Doctor visits, hospital stays
Prescriptions, dental, vision, and behavioral health care
Cost: Premiums and copays are income-based but affordable.
How to Apply: Submit an application online or via mail.
Learn More: ALL Kids Program

  1. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program - Alabama

Description: A federal assistance program providing nutrition support to low-income pregnant, postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.

Services Include

Vouchers for healthy foods (milk, fruits, vegetables, cereal, etc.)
Breastfeeding support and free breast pumps
Nutrition counseling and health referrals
Eligibility: Based on income and nutritional risk (determined by a health professional).
How to Apply: Contact your local WIC clinic to schedule an appointment.
Learn More: Alabama WIC Program

  1. Healthy Start Program - Alabama

Description: Focuses on reducing disparities in infant mortality and maternal health outcomes, especially in underserved communities. Provides case management and social support to high-risk mothers and families.

Services Include

Access to prenatal and postnatal care
Parenting education
Coordination with local healthcare providers and social services
Eligibility: Focused on high-risk areas or populations.
Learn More: Healthy Start Programs in Alabama

  1. Plan First Program

Description: A Medicaid family planning program offering free birth control and reproductive health services to eligible women of childbearing age. Designed to reduce unintended pregnancies and improve family health.

Services Include

Contraceptives (pills, IUDs, etc.)
Annual exams and Pap smears
STD testing and treatment
Eligibility: For women who do not qualify for full Medicaid.
Learn More: Plan First Program

  1. Early Intervention Program - Alabama

Description: Provides services to infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) with developmental delays or disabilities. Offers therapy and support to help children reach their full potential.

Services Include

Speech, physical, and occupational therapy
Family training and counseling
Service coordination
Eligibility: For children with developmental delays or diagnosed conditions.
Learn More: Alabama Early Intervention System (AEIS)

  1. Home Visiting Programs

Programs Include

Nurse-Family Partnership: Provides support to first-time mothers during pregnancy and early parenting years. Learn More.
Parents as Teachers: Offers home visits to guide parents on child development and health.

Services Include

Education on infant care and parenting
Developmental screenings for children
Referrals to community resources

  1. Breastfeeding Support Services

Description: Promotes breastfeeding through hospitals, WIC clinics, and community programs. Free lactation consulting and breastfeeding classes are available statewide.

Services Include

Breastfeeding counseling
Free or low-cost breast pump rentals through WIC
Peer support groups for breastfeeding mothers
Learn More: Breastfeeding Resources - ADPH

Looking for an organization near you in Alabama?

Hospitals, birth centers, doulas, WIC clinics, milk banks and more are listed by county. Enter a ZIP code or city to see yours.