At the HEED Coalition and The Basics Southcoast/RI, we believe that health insurance and access to local clinics are vital to ensuring children and families receive timely, high-quality care. Reliable healthcare coverage and trusted local providers are the foundation for preventive care, early intervention, and overall family well-being.
Health insurance helps families manage the cost of medical visits, vaccinations, screenings, and treatments, while local clinics provide accessible, professional support for both routine care and urgent needs. Together, they create a network of safety and support that promotes healthy growth, development, and peace of mind.
The resources in this section of the Birth to Five Resource Guide are designed to help you navigate health insurance options, connect with clinics, and understand available services. We hope that these tools help families feel informed, supported, and empowered to make healthcare decisions that best serve their children’s needs.
These materials are informational in nature and are not intended to replace consultation, diagnosis, or treatment from a physician, nurse practitioner, or other licensed clinical provider. Questions or concerns about your child’s health or care should always be addressed with a qualified professional.
Access to care is strategic, not optional. We hope these resources serve as a steady guide as you navigate the healthcare system and secure the support your family needs to thrive.
Many families qualify for Medicaid or CHIP even if the adults don’t. Start with your state Medicaid/CHIP portal or InsureKidsNow.gov, and ask your local community health center for enrollment help.
Contact a local community health center or hospital social worker; they can help you apply for pregnancy Medicaid and connect you to prenatal care, often on a sliding-fee scale while coverage is pending.
HMOs usually require you to choose a primary care provider and get referrals; PPOs allow more flexibility but often have higher costs. Either way, make sure your child’s pediatrician and your OB-GYN are in-network.
ACOG supports extending pregnancy-related Medicaid to 12 months postpartum; many states are adopting this. Ask your health plan or WIC/social worker how long your coverage lasts and whether your state has extended it.
Sometimes additional services (tests, sick concerns addressed during a well visit, or out-of-network labs) are billed separately. Ask your clinic billing office to explain the statement line by line.
Yes. Federally Qualified Health Centers like Thundermist, HealthFirst, and New Bedford Community Health see patients regardless of insurance or immigration status, using sliding-fee scales.
Many plans now cover telehealth similarly to in-person care, especially for follow-ups and mental health. Check your plan’s policy and ask if your pediatrician/OB-GYN offers virtual visits.
Talk with your pediatrician or clinic social worker about generic options, manufacturer discount programs, and local assistance funds; some community health centers also have in-house pharmacies with reduced-cost meds.
Many FQHCs, WIC offices, and hospitals have “navigators” or benefits counselors who will sit with you to complete online applications and upload documents. Ask at registration or the front desk.
Look for a team that knows your family, offers after-hours advice, coordinates with specialists, respects your culture and language, and helps with community resources—not just sick visits.
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Important Notice
The Birth to Five Resource Guide is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. By using this site, you acknowledge that you are accessing these materials voluntarily and at your own discretion.
The information shared here is not intended to replace professional medical, clinical, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, pediatrician, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding health, development, or medical conditions.
The HEED Coalition and The Basics Southcoast/RI make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or applicability of the information provided and assume no liability for any decisions made or actions taken based on the use of this site.
Use of this site constitutes your acceptance of these terms.
