Family Bridge
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood / regional partners
Can a nurse come to my home after birth, even if I don't have Medicaid?
What this is
Family Bridge is Connecticut's free Family Connects-style universal nurse home-visiting pilot for eligible families with new babies in two regions. It provides in-home visits from registered nurses and certified community health workers to help families transition from hospital to home. [CT-FB1, CT-FB2]
Why it matters after birth
The first weeks can include physical recovery, feeding questions, newborn-care uncertainty and emotional-health changes before the next routine appointment. Family Bridge brings an early health and support check into the home. [CT-FB1]
You may qualify if
Eligibility is regional and hospital-linked. Greater Bridgeport: birth at Bridgeport Hospital or St. Vincent's Hospital and living in Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Milford, Monroe, Shelton, Stratford or Trumbull. Eastern Connecticut: birth at Backus Hospital and living in Bozrah, Colchester, Franklin, Griswold, Lebanon, Lisbon, Montville, Norwich, Preston, Salem, Sprague, Voluntown, Windham, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation or Mohegan Tribal Nation. [CT-FB1]
What you actually get
Up to three registered-nurse visits. The nurse can check the newborn, provide a wellness exam for the new mother including physical and emotional health, and educate on feeding, bathing, sleep and safety. Community health workers connect families to diapers and supplies, parenting resources, child care and local services. [CT-FB1]
How long it lasts
The immediate days and weeks after birth — a short bridge from hospital to home, not multiyear home visiting. Up to three registered-nurse visits.
What it costs
Free. Universal within the active hospital and service-area eligibility; it is not income-tested or Medicaid-limited. [CT-FB1, CT-FB2]
How to use it
Ask your postpartum nurse or pediatrician, or contact Family Bridge directly. Greater Bridgeport: 203-502-4850. Eastern Connecticut: 860-425-6629 or 860-425-6526. [CT-FB1]
What you'll need
Eligibility is based primarily on your birth hospital and home community; a program support specialist confirms participation and schedules visits.
Important limitations
Family Bridge is not statewide. As of the August 29, 2026 OEC update, it operates in Greater Bridgeport and Eastern Connecticut with the specified hospitals, towns and Tribal Nations. Residents outside those areas should use the broader OEC Home Visiting System. [CT-FB1]
How it works with other benefits
It can be used regardless of insurance, alongside HUSKY, doula support, pediatric and OB care and longer-term home visiting. If ongoing needs are identified, the nurse or community health worker can connect you to other programs.
Finding a provider or service
Family Bridge is delivered through the listed hospital and regional partners, not a general provider directory. Use the OEC Family Bridge page for regional contacts.
Language & cultural access
Community health workers live and work in the communities they serve. Language availability has to be confirmed regionally.
If you do not qualify
Call 211 Child Development at 1-800-505-7000 for an OEC home-visiting program serving your town. The broader system includes Parents as Teachers, Child First, Nurse-Family Partnership and Healthy Families America.
Access in practice
Being covered and being able to use it are different things. This is what the sources say about actually reaching this support.
- Where it is available
- Greater Bridgeport and Eastern Connecticut only, tied to Bridgeport Hospital, St. Vincent's Hospital and Backus Hospital and named towns and Tribal Nations.
In plain terms
What this means for you
Family Bridge is easy to use if you are in an active region: free, not income-tested, and it brings a nurse and community health worker to your home. But the current pilot is regional, so your hospital and town matter. [CT-FB1]
Your next step
What to do next
If you delivered at Bridgeport Hospital, St. Vincent's or Backus and live in a listed area, contact Family Bridge now. Outside the service area, call 1-800-505-7000 for another home-visiting option. [CT-FB1]
Official sources
Last verified September 16, 2026 · Ready
2 official sources
This is plain-language public-policy information, not legal, medical, or benefits advice, and it is not specific to your situation. Policy changes, so confirm current rules with the agency or your health plan.