If you are pregnant and do not have health insurance, do not wait to get prenatal care because you are worried about money.
If you live in Florida and have a low or moderate income, you may qualify for Medicaid for pregnant women. Medicaid can help pay for doctor visits, prenatal tests, hospital care and other health services during your pregnancy.
And you may qualify even if you did not qualify for Medicaid before you became pregnant.
What Is Medicaid?
Medicaid is health insurance paid for by the state and federal government. It helps people and families who meet certain income and other requirements.
Florida has special Medicaid rules for pregnant women. The income limit for a pregnant woman is much higher than the regular Medicaid income limit for many other adults. This means you should apply even if you think you make too much money.
Florida’s income limits are based on your household size and income. For example, beginning in April 2026, Florida’s monthly income limits for the pregnant-women category are about $3,537 for a household of two, $4,463 for three people and $5,391 for four people. Your exact household size can depend on your family and tax situation, so let the Florida Department of Children and Families determine whether you qualify.
Do not decide on your own that you will not qualify. Apply and let Medicaid make that decision.
How Do I Apply for Pregnancy Medicaid in Florida?
The easiest way to apply is through Florida’s MyACCESS website.
Go to MyACCESS and choose Apply for Benefits. Medicaid is one of the programs you can apply for there. You can also use the website to see whether you may qualify before completing the full application.
You may be asked for information such as:
- Your name and address
- Who lives in your household
- Your income
- Information about your job
- Your Social Security number, if applicable
- Information about your pregnancy
Do not worry if you do not have every document when you start. Florida’s MyACCESS system says you do not have to upload documents just to submit your application. The state will tell you if additional documents are needed.
If you need help, you can call the Florida Department of Children and Families at 850-300-4323, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What If I Need a Doctor Before My Medicaid Is Approved?
Do not wait weeks to start prenatal care.
Florida has a program called Presumptively Eligible Pregnant Women, or PEPW. It can provide temporary Medicaid coverage for prenatal care while your full Medicaid application is being processed.
Certain hospitals, county health departments and other approved health care providers can determine whether you qualify for this temporary coverage using limited information about your income and pregnancy. Florida says this temporary prenatal coverage may last up to about 60 days or until your full Medicaid eligibility is decided.
When you call a prenatal clinic, health department or hospital, ask:
“Can you help me apply for presumptive Medicaid for pregnancy?”
That question may help you begin receiving prenatal care sooner.
What Happens After I Get Medicaid?
Once Florida approves you for pregnancy Medicaid, an important protection begins.
You can stay covered throughout your pregnancy and for 12 months after your pregnancy ends, even if your income changes during that time.
That year of coverage after the baby arrives is important. Mothers still need health care after giving birth. You may need postpartum checkups, birth control, treatment for health problems or emotional and mental health support.
When your baby is born, tell Medicaid about the birth. Florida says a baby born to a mother who has Medicaid at the time of birth can receive Medicaid coverage for the baby’s first year.
What If My Income Is Too High?
Do not give up.
Florida says pregnant women who earn too much for regular Medicaid may qualify for the Medically Needy Program. This program can help people with high medical bills after they meet a monthly “share of cost.”
You can also ask a community health center about low-cost prenatal care. Many health centers charge based on what you can afford.
Make the Call Today
Being uninsured should not mean going through pregnancy without a doctor.
If you just found out you are pregnant, apply for Medicaid as soon as possible and call a prenatal care provider.
Do not wait until your stomach gets bigger. Do not wait until you feel the baby move. And do not assume you cannot afford care.
Help is available.
Starting prenatal care early and going to your appointments throughout pregnancy is one of the most important things you can do for your health and your baby’s health.
