New York Medicaid Pregnancy and New Parent Guide

Pregnancy and becoming a new parent bring a lot of changes. Knowing what care and support are available can help you prepare for each step. If you are a Fidelis Care Medicaid Managed Care member in New York, you can access care and resources to support your health during pregnancy, delivery, the postpartum period, and your baby's first months.

Use this guide to learn about important steps during pregnancy, what to expect after delivery, and how to help your baby get a healthy start.

Your Medicaid Maternity Journey

1. Start Prenatal Care Early

Contact an OB/GYN, midwife, or other maternity care provider as soon as you know you are pregnant. Regular prenatal care gives your provider an opportunity to monitor your health, follow your baby's development, identify potential concerns, and help you prepare for delivery.

During prenatal visits, your provider may talk with you about:

• Your health history and current medications
• Blood pressure, weight, and other health measurements
• Recommended blood tests and prenatal screenings
• Nutrition and healthy eating
• Vaccinations recommended during pregnancy
• Mental and emotional health
• Preparing for labor and delivery
• Breastfeeding or other infant-feeding plans

Your care needs are unique. Your maternity care provider will recommend appointments, screenings, and services based on your pregnancy and health history.

Need help finding a participating maternity care provider? Find a Doctor.

Get Extra Support with BabyCare

Fidelis Care offers BabyCare, a special program designed to support the health of members during pregnancy. BabyCare can provide additional information and support as you prepare for your baby's arrival.

Learn more about BabyCare .

2. Prepare for Labor and Delivery

Talk with your maternity care provider about where you plan to deliver and what you can expect during labor and delivery. Your care team can also help you prepare for transportation, medications, infant feeding, and other needs before your baby arrives.

Keep your health plan information and important phone numbers available, and ask your provider what you should do if you have an urgent health concern during pregnancy.

3. Take Care of Yourself After Pregnancy

Your health continues to matter after your baby arrives. New York Medicaid provides eligible pregnant members with Medicaid coverage through 12 months following the end of pregnancy.

Postpartum care can support your:

• Physical recovery after delivery
• Blood pressure and other pregnancy-related health conditions
• Mental and emotional health
• Breastfeeding and infant feeding
• Family planning
• Management of ongoing or chronic health conditions
• Transition back to routine primary care

Postpartum care is an ongoing process, not just one appointment. New York Medicaid standards call for an initial postpartum assessment within the first three weeks after pregnancy and a comprehensive postpartum visit no later than 12 weeks after birth. Your provider may recommend that you be seen sooner based on your health and delivery.

Learn more about caring for your health after pregnancy on our Postpartum Care page.

4. Report Your Baby's Birth and Keep Coverage Information Current

After your baby is born, make sure the agency responsible for your Medicaid eligibility has the correct information about your household and your baby's birth. Depending on how you receive Medicaid, your eligibility may be managed through NY State of Health or your county Local Department of Social Services.

You should also make sure Fidelis Care has the information needed to keep your family's health plan records current and provide important member information.

5. Choose a Doctor for Your Baby

Your baby should begin receiving pediatric care shortly after leaving the hospital. A pediatrician or other primary care provider can monitor your baby's health, growth, and development and help you understand what your child needs at each stage.

If you need a pediatrician or primary care provider for your baby, search for a participating provider.

6. Keep Up with Well-Child Visits and Developmental Care

Regular well-child visits are an important part of preventive care. Your baby's provider can monitor growth and development, answer your questions, and help identify potential concerns early.

Well-child care may include:

• Physical exams
• Growth and developmental screenings
• Recommended immunizations
• Hearing and vision screenings
• Nutrition and feeding guidance
• Safe sleep and injury-prevention guidance
• Lead screening and prevention
• Support for developmental milestones

Learn more about important developmental milestones and ways to support your young child: Infant and Early Childhood Development .

You can also learn more about vaccines for children and adults on our Immunizations page.

Get Help with Social Needs

Your health can be affected by more than medical care. Some Fidelis Care members enrolled in Medicaid Managed Care may be eligible for free support services through a Social Care Network. These services may help address eligible health-related social needs and connect members with community resources.

Learn about Social Care Networks .

We're Here to Support You

Pregnancy and becoming a new parent can bring questions about providers, appointments, coverage, benefits, and your baby's care. Fidelis Care can help you understand your Medicaid Managed Care benefits and connect you with available resources.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy and Medicaid in New York

References

The following government and public health resources were referenced in developing this content:

• New York State Department of Health – Medicaid Perinatal Care Standards
  https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/standards/perinatal_care/
• New York State Department of Health – New York State Medicaid
  https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/
• New York State Department of Health – Childhood and Adolescent Immunizations
  https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/childhood_and_adolescent.htm
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – MyHealthfinder
  https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder