first steps index

FIRST STEPS is Washington State’s unique program that provides outreach, prenatal care, Maternity Support Services and Maternity Case Management to low-income pregnant women and infants. An interdisciplinary team from the Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) Medical Assistance Administration and the Department of Health (DOH), Maternal and Child Health manages first Steps. For women over age 18, the income limits are 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. For women under 19, family income may be up to 200% of the FPL. For income information, please click here. How does a woman find out if she is eligible for First Steps? Applications for First Steps coverage (Medicaid) are available at the woman’s local Department of Social and Health Services’ Community Service Office (CSO) (Click here for statewide CSO information.) OR by calling: 1-800-322-2588 Teens living with their families may apply for coverage and have eligibility determined on their personal income. Pregnant women who are not documented U.S. residents may also receive First Steps coverage. Women who have inadequate pregnancy medical coverage are encouraged to apply. Coverage for women who are not receiving financial grants begins when eligibility is determined. (Retroactive coverage is available to cover the current pregnancy’s related medical expenses.) Full scope medical coverage extends through the second month after the end of the pregnancy. Family Planning coverage is provided for an additional 10 months. The baby automatically receives full medical benefits for the first year.
What are Maternity Support Services?
	Maternity Support Services (MSS) are preventive health services designed to supplement medical visits and include assessment, education, intervention and counseling. Both public and private agencies across Washington State have contracted to provide MSS. The services are provided by an interdisciplinary team of community health nurses, nutritionists, and psychosocial workers and, in some agencies, community health workers. The intent is of the program is to provide MSS as early in pregnancy as possible in order to promote positive birth and parenting outcomes. Pregnant women with First Steps (Medicaid) coverage can receive Maternity Support Services during pregnancy and through the end of the second month following the end of the pregnancy. MSS can begin during the prenatal, delivery or postpartum period. For more information about Maternity Support Services, please contact Diane Bailey at diane.bailey@doh.wa.gov.
What is Maternity Case Management?
	Some pregnant women have a higher risk than others do for poor birth outcome due to age, medical or mental condition, lack of access to appropriate care, and various other reasons. Maternity Case Management helps these women by linking them with established services in their local communities. Maternity Case Management may continue until the child's first birthday. Maternity Case Management services must begin during pregnancy or at delivery. (For women not seen until delivery, a referral to the CSO for determination of eligibility must be part of the discharge plan.) For more information about Maternity Case Management, please contact Diane Tiffany at tiffadp@dshs.wa.gov
How does a women get enrolled in MSS and MCM?
	When a woman is determined eligible for First Steps, in most offices, she will be seen by the First Steps Social Worker. This person will talk with her and determine her family's basic needs, see if she needs MCM and refer her to a local agency (ies) for the actual MSS/MCM services. The First Steps Social Worker may also explain to her about enrolling in Healthy Options, Washington State's Medicaid managed care program. Most women will receive their medical prenatal care through Healthy Option. She will be given every chance to enroll in the plan of her choice in order to receive her prenatal care from the provider of choice. Some women learn about First Steps services when they have a pregnancy test or apply for WIC. First Steps has many "entry points". There is no "one way" to get in! To learn more about local First Steps provider agencies, contact the First Steps Social Worker in the local CSO or call 1-800-322-2588.
What is the connection between First Steps and Family Planning?
	Having a family involves more than just having kids! The birth of a child is so important in the growth of a family! Every parent wants the best growth and development for that precious infant. By using birth control in order to space their children at least three years apart; parents can provide the best for all their children. The hopes and dreams that the parents have for their family are moving toward fulfillment! First Steps coverage includes access to a full range of family planning services and all FDA approved contraceptives. This is the most comprehensive family planning coverage in Washington State. Click here for more information.