Pregnancy Resources

Maternal health is the health of people during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Access to medical care before, during, and after childbirth is essential to a person’s health and well-being.  Pregnant individuals in Illinois have the right to choose their maternity care provider and birth setting, receive emotional and physical support during labor, obtain information about breastfeeding, and access all information in a language they can understand. 

Whether you are thinking about having children someday, are pregnant, or already have children, the Illinois Department of Human Services has information and programs that may provide support as you navigate these important stages in your life.

There are many ways to find a provider for care during your pregnancy. There are also options to help you get care regardless of your ability to pay.  

If you have private insurance, your insurer can help you locate a provider.

If you have Illinois Medicaid or want to learn if you are eligible for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Moms and Babies Program, you can call the All Kids Hotline at 1-866-255-5437 to find a doctor or clinic.

Finally, in Illinois, safety net providers organize and deliver health care and related services to uninsured, Medicaid patients, and other vulnerable people. Safety net providers include:

• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and FQHC “look-alike clinics” that provide comprehensive care and receive federal funding. Find a health center near you.

• Free and charitable clinics that provide medical, dental, and pharmaceutical services for free or at a nominal fee to low-income people without health insurance. Some clinics will provide services to people who have insurance but cannot find a doctor or afford the deductibles. Find a free & charitable clinic near you.

If you have private insurance, most plans should cover routine prenatal, childbirth, and newborn care services, even if you were pregnant before your health coverage started. Contact your insurer for more information about the services your plan covers. 

Illinois Medicaid also covers pregnancy-related care. Both Illinois-regulated private insurance and Illinois Medicaid also cover certain costs for doulas, licensed midwives, and lactation consultants. Ask your insurer or your HealthChoice Illinois plan for more information. 

If you are uninsured, you have several options: 

• Your pregnancy may qualify you for a special enrollment period for coverage through Get Covered Illinois, Illinois’ state-based marketplace.

• Illinois has two programs for pregnant people, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. The Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility Program gives temporary, immediate coverage for outpatient care. The Illinois Moms and Babies program is a full Medicaid benefit for pregnant women up to 12 months after the pregnancy ends. More information about these programs is available on the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services website. 

• Safety net providers, including FQHCs, FQHC look-alike clinics, and free and charitable clinics provide care at no or low cost.