Arizona

Arizona offers several state programs dedicated to enhancing perinatal care, focusing on the health and well-being of mothers and infants during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. These programs include:

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program: This program supports low-income moms and young children with nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthy food assistance to promote better health. Click here to find out more about eligibility. Contact your WIC clinic or call 1 (800) 252-5942 for more information.

Strong Families AZ: Strong Families AZ has a number of home visiting programs designed for different needs, including low income families, parents who have children with developmental disabilities, parents interested in learning how to monitor the progress of their child’s mental and physical development. This program also helps expecting parents develop a birth plan and feel prepared to welcome their child into the world and assist parents to better understand infant and child development.

Arizona Newborn Screening Program: supports the early detection and treatment of genetic, metabolic, and hearing conditions in newborns to prevent serious health issues, disabilities, or even death. The program achieves this by requiring that all newborns in Arizona undergo two blood tests and a hearing screening shortly after birth. These screenings help identify rare but serious conditions early, allowing for timely medical intervention and treatment. The program works closely with hospitals, healthcare providers, and families to ensure follow-up care and necessary treatments, giving every newborn the best chance for a healthy start in life.

High Risk Perinatal Program (HRPP): The HRPP is a statewide system designed to help lower health risks for moms and babies. It acts as a safety net for families in Arizona, making sure they get the right level of care during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. The program offers medical advice, case management, and, when needed, helps transport moms and newborns to specialized hospitals for advanced care. It also focuses on spotting developmental concerns early so kids can get the support they need. For more information or to determine eligibility, families are encouraged to contact their local health department or visit the Arizona Department of Health Services' Children's Health page.

Arizona Health Start Program: This program provides evidence-informed home visit to pregnant women and newnothers to support at-risk pregnant and postpartum women with children under two years old, aiming to improve maternal and child health outcomes by reducing the incidence of low birthweight children; increasing the number of children receiving age-appropriate immunizations by age 2; and educating families on the importance of good nutritional habits, developmental assessments, and preventive health care promoting healthy pregnanacy and child development.

AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid) – This program supports low-income families by providing free or affordable healthcare coverage for pregnancy, childbirth, and pediatric care.

• AHCCCS offers health insurance for pregnant women who meet income and eligibility requirements. For those who qualify, there are no monthly premiums. Learn more about eligibility and services.
• AHCCCS offers health insurance for eligible children (under 19 years old). For those who qualify, there are no monthly premiums. Learn more about eligibility and services. Children with income too high for AHCCCS Health Insurance, may qualify for KidsCare at a low monthly premium. Children’s Rehabilitative Services (CRS) are also covered by AHCCCS for eligible children.