What is Right From The Start?

The Right From The Start Program may be able to help you in the following ways:

• Help you arrange to get care for yourself and your baby

• Assistance with your medical care if you have no insurance or limited benefits and are not eligible for Medicaid but meet certain other requirements

• Arrange for valuable services besides your medical care.  These include:

1. Childbirth classes

2. Classes to help you stop smoking

3. Parenting classes

4. Classes on eating healthier for you and your baby

5. Transportation to medical appointments through the Access to Rural Transportation Project (ART)

Who can get Right From The Start?

There are no resource limits for participation in the Right From The Start Project (RFTS).  That means you may own a home or a car and still be eligible for RFTS services.

To be eligible for Right From The Start you must:

1. Be pregnant and reside in the State of West Virginia

2. Have a current, active Medicaid Card or Medical coverage through OMCH

Once you get a Medicaid or an OMCH card, medical care for your pregnancy and your delivery* will be paid for, even if your income increases.

*Exception-non citizens - The OMCH card covers prenatal care only.  OMCH may cover a delivery if denied One Day Emergency Medical assistance from DHHR.

If you have a child less than one year old, he or she may be eligible for Right From The Start.  Call us at  (304)538-6355 and we'll help you find out.

How do you apply for Right From The Start?

• When you have a positive pregnancy test, the Hardy County Health Department staff will assist you with the proof of pregnancy and give you the "shortened" application for Medicaid.  Complete the form and submit the application to the county Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) office.  These applications are available at the health department, community health centers, doctor's offices and local DHHR Offices.

• You must attach proof of pregnancy and proof of monthly gross family income with the application.

• If you are denied Medicaid, the Office of Maternal and Child Health will review your application to determine if you are eligible for OMCH coverage.  If so, OMCH will contact you regarding your eligibility.

• When you make your appointment for prenatal care, be sure to ask if the physician accepts Medicaid and completes the PRSI form.