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 Texas
Texas programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Medicaid
Texas Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible children, families, older adults, and people with disabilities.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Children’s Health Insurance Program
CHIP provides low-cost health coverage to eligible children whose families earn too much for Medicaid.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Texas Department of State Health Services
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
WIC gives food and nutrition help to eligible pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible Texans buy food with benefits placed on a Lone Star Card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Texas Department of Insurance
Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace
Texas residents can compare and enroll in individual health plans through the federal HealthCare.gov Marketplace.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Texas Workforce Commission
Child Care Services
Child Care Services helps eligible families pay for child care while they work or attend training.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides cash help to eligible families with children for basic needs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn 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
- 2-1-1 Texas
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