Florida Healthy Start
Florida DOH / local Healthy Start coalitions
Can I get free postpartum support at home even if I do not have Medicaid?
What this is
Healthy Start is statewide voluntary maternal and infant support delivered through local coalitions and partners, providing care coordination, education, home visiting and service connections during pregnancy and after birth. [FL-HS1, FL-HS2]
Why it matters after birth
It can help with feeding, emotional stress, newborn care, transportation and finding medical and community services.
You may qualify if
Eligible pregnant people and families with infants qualify based on prenatal or infant screening and the local process. Eligible families can receive services regardless of insurance or citizenship. [FL-HS1, FL-HS3]
What you actually get
Depending on need and the local program: care coordination, home visits, prenatal and parent education, breastfeeding support, stress management, interconception education, depression and substance-use screening and referral, and connections to food, transportation, medical and community services. [FL-HS1, FL-HS2]
How long it lasts
Services commonly run from pregnancy through the baby's first year and may extend to age three when needed and available. [FL-HS1]
What it costs
Healthy Start is free, and insurance is not required. [FL-HS1, FL-HS4]
How to use it
Your prenatal provider offers the Florida Prenatal Screen, and birthing facilities offer the Infant Screen before discharge. You can also contact your local Healthy Start coalition or CONNECT directly. [FL-HS3, FL-HS5]
What you'll need
You do not need Medicaid or private insurance to ask. The program gathers pregnancy and infant need and screening information, and participation is voluntary.
Important limitations
Healthy Start is statewide, but the exact service mix, intensity and availability depend on your needs and local capacity and providers. It is not a replacement for emergency, OB, pediatric or licensed mental-health care.
How it works with other benefits
You can use Healthy Start with Medicaid, private insurance, From the Start, doula support and home visiting. A worker can help connect you to services without changing your insurance eligibility.
Finding a provider or service
Use the Healthy Start coalition directory, or CONNECT for coordinated entry and referral.
Language & cultural access
The Prenatal Screen is available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, and participant information emphasizes preferred language and access. Ask your coalition about multilingual and culturally specific availability.
If you do not qualify
Ask CONNECT about other home-visiting and family support options such as Nurse-Family Partnership, Healthy Families Florida, Parents as Teachers and Early Head Start.
In plain terms
What this means for you
Healthy Start is one of Florida's most accessible postpartum supports because it is free and not limited to Medicaid members or U.S. citizens. The key is your local coalition and the screening and referral route.
Your next step
What to do next
If you are pregnant, ask your prenatal provider for the Prenatal Screen. If you have delivered, ask the hospital about the Infant Screen or contact Healthy Start/CONNECT directly and say what you need most.
Official sources
Last verified September 16, 2026 · Ready
6 official sources
- FL-HS1 — Healthy Start Florida — Healthy Start Home Visiting
- FL-HS2 — Florida Department of Health — Healthy Start
- FL-HS3 — Florida Department of Health — Florida Prenatal Screen
- FL-HS4 — Healthy Start Florida — Home Visiting
- FL-HS5 — Florida Department of Health — Florida Infant Screen
- FL-HS6 — Healthy Start Florida — Participant Info
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.