District of Columbia

In Washington, DC, expectant parents have access to a variety of health insurance options to help cover the costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth. These options include:

1. District Plans and Programs

a. DC Medicaid for Pregnant Women
DC Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible pregnant women during pregnancy and for up to 12 months postpartum. Covered services include prenatal visits, labor and delivery, postpartum care, mental health services, and infant healthcare. Learn more
Eligibility is based on income and household size, with higher income limits for pregnant individuals compared to other adult Medicaid categories.

b. DC Healthy Families (CHIP) for Newborns and Children
If a newborn does not qualify for Medicaid after birth but lives in a low- to moderate-income household, they may qualify for DC Healthy Families, the District’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). DC Healthy Families provides comprehensive coverage for infants and children, including well-child visits, immunizations, prescriptions, and hospital care. Learn more

1. Employer-Sponsored Plans

Many employers in Washington, DC offer group health insurance plans that include maternity coverage, such as prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum services.
If you or your spouse/partner have employer-sponsored insurance, review your plan’s Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC), and contact your employer’s HR department to confirm maternity and newborn benefits. Pregnancy and childbirth qualify as special enrollment events, allowing families to add or change coverage outside of open enrollment.

1. Health Insurance Marketplace

Expectant parents can explore coverage through DC Health Link, Washington, DC’s state-based Health Insurance Marketplace.
All Marketplace plans must include maternity and newborn care as essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Depending on income, families may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions to lower monthly costs. Learn more

1. Private / Individual Insurance Plans

Private health insurance plans purchased outside the Marketplace may also include maternity coverage, though benefits and costs vary by plan.
When considering private plans, confirm that maternity and newborn care are included, and review deductibles, copays, and provider networks.
Under the ACA, individuals under age 26 may remain covered under a parent’s health insurance plan. Working with a licensed insurance broker in DC can help compare options. Learn more

1. Other Assistance Programs

a. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
Community health centers across Washington, DC offer prenatal and maternity-related services on a sliding fee scale based on income, regardless of insurance status. Services may include prenatal care, ultrasounds, lab work, and referrals for hospital delivery. These clinics also assist with Medicaid and Marketplace enrollment.

b. Title X Clinics
Title X–funded clinics in Washington, DC provide reproductive health services, including pregnancy testing, prenatal care referrals, and family planning services on a sliding fee scale.
These clinics often serve as an entry point to ongoing prenatal care and insurance enrollment.

c. DC Healthcare Alliance
For DC residents who do not qualify for Medicaid due to immigration status, the DC Healthcare Alliance provides access to healthcare services, including prenatal care, at little or no cost through participating providers. Learn more

Washington, DC offers a wide range of insurance and assistance options to ensure expectant parents can access prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care, whether through public programs, employer coverage, private insurance, or community-based clinics. Families can seek enrollment assistance through community health centers, DC Health Link, or DC Health.