Welcome Baby Program at MCHA Helps Mother Facing Financial Barriers to Prenatal Care

Access to prenatal care is essential for the health of both the birth parent and baby, yet many face significant barriers in obtaining it. Sylvia, a client enrolled in the Welcome Baby program at Maternal and Child Health Access (MCHA), found herself struggling to access the prenatal care she needed at a community clinic due to the high costs associated with her Share of Cost as a Medi-Cal recipient.

The challenge became even more urgent when Sylvia was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, adding further strain to her already limited resources. Desperate to find a solution, Sylvia even considered seeking more affordable healthcare options in Mexico.

However, thanks to the support provided by Sylvia’s Welcome Baby team, in collaboration with MCHA’s health navigation department, they were able to eliminate her Share of Cost just before her next prenatal appointment. Their timely intervention allowed Sylvia to resume her care at the clinic, ensuring her and her baby’s health and well-being.

During her first baby visit with her Welcome Baby RN, Sylvia expressed heartfelt gratitude for her Parent Coach’s quick assistance in resolving this healthcare insurance challenge. She shared how this intervention not only relieved her financial burden but also restored her confidence in her clinic’s ability to provide the care she needed.

Sylvia is one of 1,400 families enrolled in MCHA’s Welcome Baby program this year, which offers in-home support and educational services. In their winter 2024 newsletter, MCHA shared that the program conducted over 3,600 home visits in 2024, and nearly 400 families completed the program. By the end of their program visits, over 90% of infants were up-to-date on immunizations, more than 92% had a medical home, and over 99% had health coverage. More than 97% of clients also received guidance on obtaining ongoing and emergency coverage and care.

Programs like Welcome Baby and MCHA’s health navigation services provide families with the resources they need to access care without facing unnecessary financial burden.

Pregnant? Enroll in Welcome Baby!

If you are pregnant and plan to deliver at California Hospital, call MCHA at 213-342-3127 to enroll in the free Welcome Baby program. Delivering elsewhere? Welcome Baby is offered at these hospitals in L.A. County. Funded by First 5 LA, Welcome Baby and its partner home visiting programs are always free and voluntary. Learn more here.

This post is adapted from MCHA’s year-end donation appeal. Learn how you can support their good work.