MomCare is a Medicaid-funded program authorized by a special waiver from the federal government called the Sixth Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (SOBRA).

MomCare was developed as a partnership between the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions, Florida Department of Health, Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration and Florida Department of Children and Families. MomCare is managed locally by county Healthy Start Coalitions.

MomCare is available to women who meet the following requirements:

• Have proof of a positive pregnancy test on a physicians or pregnancy centers letterhead that states expected delivery date
• Have a household income at between 150% and 185% of the poverty level
• Are a United States citizens or a legal immigrants
• Are Florida residents

Clients receive guidance selecting a prenatal care provider, assistance scheduling initial prenatal visits, and information about state programs for which they may be eligible.

The goal of Florida's MomCare program is to improve birth outcomes and reduce infant mortality rates through a simplified application, guidance, education and care coordination services. Other goals of MomCare include:

• Identify any client needs
• Ensure health insurance for the newborn
• Increase Healthy Start screening rates
• Increase participation in the WIC program
• Assign a primary care provider within 30 days
• Increase family planning services