If you are pregnant

If I am pregnant, and the baby will not have insurance once born, can I apply for Healthy Families before the baby is born?

Yes, you can apply for insurance when you are at least 6 months pregnant. With your application, you will need to send proof of pregnancy that shows your due date. If the application is complete and your baby is eligible, you will be notified in writing within 10 days of receiving your complete application. If your application is not complete, Healthy Families will contact you.

What do I have to do once my baby is born?

Within 30 days of the baby's birth, you must send one of the following:

• A signed letter from the health care provider who delivered the baby or the hospital where the baby was born; or
• Hospital certificate of birth; or
• Birth certificate.

The proof of birth must have the baby's first and last name, birth date, place of birth, and gender. If Healthy Families does not receive proof of birth 30 days after the baby is born, your case will be closed. You will need to reapply and provide all necessary documentation with a new application.

Insurance coverage for the baby begins 13 days after Healthy Families receives the proof of baby's birth.

If my child's Medi-Cal coverage is ending, how soon can I apply for Healthy Families?

You can apply for Healthy Families up to 3 months in advance when:

• A child turns 1 year old and will lose no-cost Medi-Cal (Healthy Families coverage may begin the first of the month after the child’s first birthday); or
• A child turns 6 years old and will lose no-cost Medi-Cal (Healthy Families coverage may begin the first of the month after the child’s 6th birthday); or
• A child's no-cost Medi-Cal ends.

Please send your most current Notice of Action letter from Medi-Cal. The Notice of Action must be dated within 2 months from when Healthy Families receives it.

If you have questions, call 1-800-880-5305, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., or on Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The call is free.