Programs & Services: First Steps

What is First Steps?

First Steps is a program that helps low-income pregnant women get the health and social services they may need. These services will help you be a healthy mother and have a healthy baby. First Steps is available as soon as you know that you are pregnant.

After you have your baby or are no longer pregnant, your DSHS medical coverage will continue for two months. This will still be full medical, vision and dental coverage. After two months you will start receiving a Family Planning Only ID card. You will continue to get Family Planning Services for 10 months after other First Steps benefits end. Your baby will receive full medical coverage until his or her first birthday.

First Step services include:

• Paid medical bills
• Transportation to medical appointments
• Child care while at medical appointments\
• Child birth education
• Medical care for your newborn
• Help accessing medical care for your children
• Drug education and assistance
• Family Planning services when your pregnancy ends

Women also receive Maternity Support Services. Some support services can continue until the baby turns one year old.

Links

Visit the First Steps web site at: http://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/maa/firststeps/