skip to main content

How to find us

Phone: 206-296-4600
TTY Relay: 711

Toll-free: 800-325-6165

Click here to email us

Instructions to submit a Public Records Request

First Steps medical insurance for prenatal care

  • A pregnant mom and her young sonIf you need insurance that pays for prenatal care, you can apply for "First Steps" - a State of Washington DSHS insurance program. Eligibility for this program is based on your family's income.
  • If you're under 18, pregnant, and live on your own or with your parents, eligibility is based on your income - not your parents'.
  • If you are receiving services at a public health clinic, you can apply for "First Steps" at the clinic. If not, you can apply at your local DSHS Community Service Office (CSO).
  • If you qualify, knowing how and when to use your coupon will save you time and money.
  1. "First Steps" insurance pays for your prenatal care including prescriptions and childbirth classes. It also covers medical, vision, and dental visits that are not part of your pregnancy or delivery. If you haven't picked a doctor or want to find out about other resources in your community - like WIC or maternity support services - call the family planning clinic (link) nearest you for a maternity screening appointment. Dental care is important during pregnancy and most dental clinics are very busy - call for an appointment as soon as you can. If you need help finding a dentist, or have questions about what your medical coupon pays for, contact your local public health center or CSO.
  2. "First Steps" insurance continues to pay for your medical care for 60 days after your baby is born - this includes your 6 week post-partum check, birth control, dental, and vision visits. Soon after your baby is born, look for a "Hey Mom" form in the mail. DSHS mails this form to you and you must send it back to DSHS to make sure your baby is covered by his or her own medical coupons!. If you don't send this form back, your baby's coupons will be cancelled. If you don't get this form in the mail, contact your local public health center or CSO.
  3. 60 days after your baby is born, your "First Steps" insurance will be replaced with "Family Planning Only" insurance. DSHS will mail a "Family Planning Only" coupon to the address you gave them when you applied for "First Steps" insurance. This important insurance covers you for 10 more months and pays for birth control clinic visits and your birth control supplies. If you don't get your "Family Planning Only" coupon in the mail (or if it's been lost), contact your local public health center or CSO for help.

IMPORTANT - Your coupon will help pay for rides to your doctor visits. Call 800-923-7433 for information or to ask for a ride.