Postpartum Health Coverage and Maternity Support for Single Mothers in Maryland
Postpartum Health Coverage & Maternity Support for Single Mothers in Maryland
Last updated: September 2025
This guide gives you fast, practical steps to keep health coverage after birth, line up baby care, and pay for basics during recovery in Maryland. Throughout the guide, look for bold action items, short checklists, county contacts, and plain-English timelines. If you see a resource or program named, tap the italic link right there in the sentence.
If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take
- Call for postpartum Medicaid help now: Reach the dedicated pregnancy helpline at 1-800-456-8900 and ask about 12‑month postpartum Medicaid, doula services, and home visiting; you can also apply or renew through Maryland Health Connection or use its income tool at Check Your Eligibility, and if you’re non‑citizen pregnant, ask about the state’s Healthy Babies path at Healthy Babies. (marylandhealthconnection.gov)
- Stop a utility shutoff today: Tell your power or gas company you’re applying for OHEP and ask for a 55‑day hold; apply right away at MarylandBenefits.gov, ask to enroll in the Utility Service Protection Program (USPP), and learn winter/summer shutoff rules on the Maryland Public Service Commission site. (dhs.maryland.gov)
- Get mental health support now if you feel unsafe or overwhelmed: Call or text 988 Lifeline, connect with Postpartum Support International Maryland, and if you’re a Veteran mom, use the Women Veterans Call Center at 1-855-829-6636 for maternity, counseling, and benefits help. (health.maryland.gov)
Quick Help Box — Keep These 5 at Hand
- Medicaid & Marketplace enrollment: Maryland Health Connection • Phone 1-855-642-8572 • Pregnancy SEP info is at Special Enrollment and coverage basics at Use Your Coverage. (marylandhealthconnection.gov)
- Energy and shutoff help: Apply at MarylandBenefits.gov • Call 1-800-332-6347 • Learn OHEP programs at Office of Home Energy Programs and USPP details at PSC FAQ. (dhs.maryland.gov)
- Food benefits: Check SNAP amounts at USDA SNAP COLA 2025 • Income rules at MD SNAP Income • Summer SUN Bucks info at DHS News. (fns.usda.gov)
- Child care & baby supplies: Apply for scholarships at Child Care Scholarship • Find care via LOCATE: Child Care • Diapers from ShareBaby (Baltimore). (earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org)
- Legal help (custody, benefits, eviction): Free advice from Maryland Court Help Centers at 410-260-1392 • Find eviction counsel via Access to Counsel in Evictions • App help via Court Help App. (mdcourts.gov)
How Postpartum Health Coverage Works in Maryland
Maryland gives strong postpartum coverage through Medicaid and HealthChoice MCOs, with extra support programs you can use right after delivery.
Key facts first: If you had Medicaid while pregnant, you get 12 months of full postpartum coverage starting the day your pregnancy ends, even if your income rises, and your MCO covers checkups, mental health care, dental, and prescriptions at no cost. Apply or confirm status with Maryland Health Connection, read the state expansion at MDH Newsroom, and see a plain‑language explainer at Good News for Pregnant Women. (health.maryland.gov)
For non‑citizen pregnant people: Maryland’s Healthy Babies pathway offers full pregnancy benefits regardless of status, with coverage from conception through four months postpartum; call the pregnancy helpline at 1-800-456-8900, read the policy at Healthy Babies, and apply through Maryland Health Connection with interpretation via Maryland Relay 711. Note: postpartum length differs under this pathway, so ask to confirm the current rule for your case. (health.maryland.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Use the HealthChoice Help for Members form or call 1-800-284-4510, switch MCOs in your portal at Maryland Health Connection, and escalate with your local health department via Local Health Dept Contacts for walk‑in assistance. (health.maryland.gov)
Who Qualifies and What’s Covered
Most important step: Check 2025 income limits and apply in minutes online; see the effective March 1, 2025 thresholds for adults, kids, and pregnant people on Maryland Health Connection’s income page, compare to federal poverty levels posted by HHS/CMS, and use USCIS tables if you need simple 100–200% FPL figures at USCIS I‑864P. (marylandhealthconnection.gov)
What Medicaid covers postpartum: Your MCO includes OB/GYN and primary care, dental via Maryland Healthy Smiles, mental health through the public behavioral health system, and medical transport to visits through local NEMT; search providers with MD Medicaid Provider Finder, call the Healthy Smiles member line at 1-855-934-9812, and learn NEMT steps from your county page like Carroll NEMT. (health.maryland.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your MCO for a case manager and a postpartum follow‑up appointment date in writing, file a plan grievance via your MCO handbook, and if a newborn shows as uninsured in the hospital, ask the MCO’s Newborn Coordinator to fix baby’s enrollment within 60 days. (health.maryland.gov)
Maryland’s Postpartum Add‑Ons You Should Use
Schedule a no‑cost doula: Maryland Medicaid covers doula support during pregnancy and up to 180 days after pregnancy; contact your MCO to match with a doula, read details at Medicaid Doula Program, and confirm zero copays before services start. (health.maryland.gov)
Ask for an in‑home nurse or parenting coach: Home visiting (Healthy Families America or Nurse‑Family Partnership) is free for Medicaid members who are pregnant or within 3 months postpartum; ask your MCO care manager, review eligibility at Medicaid Home Visiting Services, and if you deliver at Sinai in Baltimore, ask your nurse about Family Connects Maryland. (health.maryland.gov)
Use HealthySteps in your child’s doctor office: For babies through age 4, some pediatric practices include a HealthySteps specialist to support feeding, sleep, and referrals; call your pediatrician or your MCO for locations and schedule. (health.maryland.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your OB, pediatrician, or hospital social worker for a direct referral to an HFA or NFP site, call 211 and ask for “home visiting program” listings, and if your MCO denies the service in error, appeal using the MCO’s grievance process and the state fair hearing rights in your notice.
Private Insurance & Marketplace Plans: What You Can Expect
Top action: If you lose Medicaid after the 12‑month postpartum window, open a plan on Maryland Health Connection within 60 days; preventive care and maternity care are essential benefits and free in‑network; see covered services at Use Your Coverage and price protections at Financial Help; young adults 18‑37 can check extra savings at Young Adult Assistance. (marylandhealthconnection.gov)
Breastfeeding benefits you can claim: Plans must cover pumps and lactation support without cost‑sharing; read the rule at HealthCare.gov Breastfeeding Benefits, confirm with your plan before discharge, and ask the hospital lactation team to script a double‑electric pump if medically needed per HHS Breast Pump FAQ. (healthcare.gov)
Workplace pumping and time off: Under federal law, your employer must give you reasonable pumping breaks and a private, non‑bathroom space; see the PUMP Act details at DOL Fact Sheet 73A and learn your rights summary at EEOC “Time and Place to Pump”; Maryland also lets you breastfeed in public and exempts breastfeeding supplies from sales tax as listed at MD Right to Breastfeed. (dol.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: File a wage‑and‑hour complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor (WHD) online, ask HR for an ADA lactation accommodation plan, and if your plan charges you for a covered lactation visit or pump, appeal in writing, citing HealthCare.gov’s breastfeeding coverage page.
Postpartum Mental Health: Getting Help Fast
Immediate help first: Call or text 988 any time, ask for a warm handoff to local services, and save the 988 Helpline FAQ to learn privacy and language access; Veterans can dial 988 then Press 1 per VA Maryland Suicide Prevention and request women’s health. (health.maryland.gov)
Ongoing support that fits postpartum: Join moderated groups and connect to trained coordinators through Postpartum Support International–Maryland, ask your MCO for therapy referrals via your HealthChoice helpline, and share USPSTF preventive care info with your provider using Perinatal Depression Recommendations. (psichapters.com)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your OB or pediatrician to code postpartum depression screening as preventive, call 988 and request a care coordinator to help navigate coverage, and if access stalls, file a help ticket with your MCO member services and the Maryland Public Behavioral Health System line at 1-800-888-1965.
Money, Food, Utilities, and Child Care While You Heal
Start with food: Maryland SNAP amounts increased for FY 2025; view maximums at USDA SNAP FY 2025 COLA, check your income on MD SNAP Income, and ask about auto‑enrollment to summer benefits at SUN Bucks 2025 before school break. (fns.usda.gov)
Apply for WIC right away: Call 1-800-242-4942, email mdh.wic@maryland.gov, or contact your local clinic through WIC Contact; learn food benefits and breastfeeding help at WIC Benefits, and use the clinic phone list at How to Apply. (health.maryland.gov)
Keep the lights and heat on: Apply for energy help (MEAP/EUSP/ARA) at MarylandBenefits.gov, confirm 2025–26 income limits on the OHEP page, and review benefit boosts announced for FY 2026 at the Governor’s Press Office. (dhs.maryland.gov)
If you got a shutoff notice: Tell your utility you’re applying for OHEP, ask for a 55‑day hold, enroll in USPP to block winter shutoffs, and learn temperature‑based shutoff limits at the PSC FAQ. (dhs.maryland.gov)
Child care so you can work or recover: Apply for months of subsidized care through the Child Care Scholarship (call CCS Central 2 at 1-877-227-0125), find open slots with LOCATE: Child Care, and ask your provider about Maryland EXCELS quality ratings. (earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 211 Maryland for a local navigator for SNAP/WIC/OHEP, call your county DSS to expedite cash aid if you have a newborn, and request a case manager from your MCO to coordinate benefits with your medical appointments.
Timelines You Can Expect
- Medicaid postpartum coverage: Coverage lasts 12 months after pregnancy ends, regardless of income changes; confirm your end date in your Maryland Health Connection account and set a renewal reminder. (health.maryland.gov)
- SNAP processing: Routine SNAP decisions typically happen within 30 days, with expedited issuance in 7 days if very low income; check your status using myMDTHINK or call DSS. (Confirm timing locally.)
- Energy assistance: OHEP reviews commonly take 10–15 business days outside crisis months; ask for a same‑day “medical hold” note from your provider if you have a newborn or medical device and share that with your utility while your OHEP application is pending. (dhs.maryland.gov)
- Child Care Scholarship: If you upload all documents within 15 days of a fast‑track application, CCS will decide before the temporary award expires; see the note on the CCS page and call CCS Central 2 if you don’t get a decision by the date on your letter. (earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org)
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Program | Who it Helps | What You Get | Where to Apply/Call |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid Postpartum | Anyone covered during pregnancy | 12 months full coverage; dental; behavioral health | Maryland Health Connection • 1-855-642-8572 • MDH Expansion (health.maryland.gov) |
| Healthy Babies (any status) | Non‑citizen pregnant | Full pregnancy care + 4 months postpartum | Healthy Babies • 1-800-456-8900 (health.maryland.gov) |
| Home Visiting | Pregnant or ≤3 months postpartum (Medicaid) | Nurse/parent coach in home or virtual | Medicaid Home Visiting • Call your MCO (health.maryland.gov) |
| Doula Services (Medicaid) | Pregnant and ≤180 days postpartum | Birth and postpartum doula at $0 | Doula Program • Call your MCO (health.maryland.gov) |
| SNAP + SUN Bucks | Low income families | Monthly food benefits + $120/student summer | USDA 2025 COLA • DHS SNAP Income • DHS SUN Bucks (fns.usda.gov) |
| OHEP (MEAP/EUSP/ARA) | Energy bill help | Bill credits, arrears forgiveness | OHEP • 1-800-332-6347 • PSC USPP (dhs.maryland.gov) |
| Child Care Scholarship | Working/schooling parents | Subsidized child care for 52 weeks | CCS Program • 1-877-227-0125 • LOCATE (earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org) |
Maryland Income & Benefit Snapshots (2025)
Medicaid & MCHP income guide: Use this to gauge your odds before applying.
| Household | Adults (monthly) | Children (monthly) | Pregnant (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | $2,433 | $5,677 | $4,654 |
| 3 | $3,065 | $7,152 | $5,863 |
| 4 | $3,698 | $8,630 | $7,075 |
Source: Maryland Health Connection income limits (effective Mar 1, 2025); check full chart for other sizes. (marylandhealthconnection.gov)
2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines (reference): For quick estimates, see HHS 2025 FPL Standards and simple tables on USCIS Poverty Guides. Amounts update annually—confirm before applying. (hhs.gov)
SNAP maximums (Oct 1, 2024–Sep 30, 2025): Check full table on USDA’s FY 2025 COLA page and use MD’s calculator if asked by your caseworker. (fns.usda.gov)
Child Care Scholarship initial income (effective 12‑15‑2024): For a family of 3 up to 94,026;for4upto94,026; for 4 up to 111,936; see the official grid at CCS Income Tables and call CCS Central 2 at 1-877-227-0125. (earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org)
OHEP FY 2026 income (MEAP/EUSP): Example—family of 3 monthly limit $4,441; check the full FY26 list on OHEP site and use 211’s utility page at 211 Utility Assistance for tips. (dhs.maryland.gov)
Breastfeeding, Pumps, and Lactation Rights in Maryland
Claim your pump and lactation care: Marketplace plans and most employer plans must cover pumps and counseling with no copay; view federal details at HealthCare.gov breastfeeding, and bring that printout to your discharge meeting so your nurse scripts the right pump; you can also find peer support through Maryland Breastfeeding Coalition and group help from La Leche League USA. (healthcare.gov)
Pump at work without penalty: The PUMP Act requires break time and a private, non‑bathroom space; share DOL Fact Sheet 73A with HR and ask for a written plan before you return; if needed, point to EEOC’s guide as backup. (dol.gov)
Breastfeed anywhere in Maryland: State law lets you feed in any public or private place you’re allowed to be and exempts many lactation supplies from sales tax; see the language at MD Right to Breastfeed and the statute pointer on NCSL’s breastfeeding law page. If someone interferes, report it to the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. (health.maryland.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: If your insurer refuses a covered pump, appeal with your plan’s internal process citing HealthCare.gov; if your employer blocks pumping time or space, file with DOL WHD and keep written notes; and look for one‑on‑one peer help via Maryland Breastfeeding Coalition’s links.
How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Maryland Today
Act this hour: Ask the utility for a 55‑day hold and enroll in USPP, apply to OHEP at MarylandBenefits.gov, and read disconnection temperature rules on the PSC’s restrictions page so you can cite them if needed. (dhs.maryland.gov)
Use county resources too: Some utilities paused late fees and disconnections during winter 2025—check news postings like BGE waives late fees; if your bill still won’t zero out after OHEP, apply to the Fuel Fund referenced on PSC’s help page. (wbaltv.com)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your doctor for a medical certification letter if you have a newborn or a medical device, submit it to your utility per PSC rules, and escalate with the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel if negotiations stall. (opc.maryland.gov)
Paid Leave and Job Protection in Maryland (Reality Check)
Know the dates: Maryland’s paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) is delayed—state payroll deductions now start January 1, 2027, and benefits are scheduled to start in 2028; confirm updates on PaidLeave.Maryland.gov and see the state’s stakeholder page showing the revised timeline. Keep using FMLA and Maryland’s Sick and Safe Leave in the meantime. (paidleave.maryland.gov)
Use other protections right now: You can still use federal FMLA if eligible and Maryland’s Healthy Working Families Act for earned sick and safe leave; workplaces with 15+ employees must provide paid sick leave, and smaller employers must provide unpaid sick leave; review MD DOL’s sample policies to see typical rules. (labor.maryland.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: If HR cites the old paid‑leave start date, send the updated stakeholder timeline for 2027/2028, request FMLA in writing if you qualify, and ask your doctor for a work‑restriction letter under Maryland’s pregnancy accommodation law (reasonable accommodations must be explored). (paidleave.maryland.gov)
Application Checklist You Can Screenshot
- Photo ID and address: Driver’s license, lease, or utility bill; use MHC document tips for uploads and MHC Calculate Income to estimate income. (marylandhealthconnection.gov)
- Pregnancy proof and baby’s info: Hospital record or provider note; add baby to your case quickly through Maryland Health Connection; ask your MCO’s Newborn Coordinator for help if the system lags. (health.maryland.gov)
- Income papers: Last 30 days of pay stubs or a self‑employment ledger; if you lost work, write a sworn statement and upload; see the MHC income estimator. (marylandhealthconnection.gov)
- Utility account numbers and bills: Needed for OHEP and USPP; bring termination notice if you have one, and ask the utility for a hold while your case processes. (dhs.maryland.gov)
- Child care need proof: Work/school schedule or job offer for the Child Care Scholarship; keep CCS Central 2’s number (1-877-227-0125) in your phone. (earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the pregnancy SEP window: You get 90 days from when a provider confirms pregnancy to enroll in coverage if you’re using the marketplace; act via Special Enrollment and call 1-855-642-8572 if you need help. (marylandhealthconnection.gov)
- Not reporting your delivery: Tell your MCO and Maryland Health Connection right after you deliver so postpartum coverage triggers and baby’s Medicaid/MCHP starts; see MHC Medicaid page for steps. (marylandhealthconnection.gov)
- Waiting for a shutoff to apply: You don’t need a shutoff notice for OHEP; apply early at MarylandBenefits.gov and check PSC rules on terminations before a cutoff. (dhs.maryland.gov)
- Skipping postpartum mental health care: Screening and counseling are covered; call 988, ask your MCO for providers, and use PSI‑MD if your clinic has a waitlist. (health.maryland.gov)
Reality Check
- Coverage rules evolve: Confirm your postpartum eligibility dates with your plan and Maryland Health Connection, and ask about Healthy Babies if your immigration status changed; Maryland updates policy pages like MDH Medicaid Month 2025 and income tables yearly. (health.maryland.gov)
- Paid leave is not paying yet: FAMLI benefits are now pushed to 2028—plan around FMLA, sick leave, and workplace PTO using MD DOL Sick & Safe Leave and watch PaidLeave.Maryland.gov for any change. (paidleave.maryland.gov)
- Energy funds can run tight: OHEP funds vary; when funds are low, pair OHEP with EmPOWER or WAP through DHCD and your water utility’s low‑income programs like WSSC CAP. Call to confirm dollar amounts before counting on them. (dhcd.maryland.gov)
Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups
Baby supplies and diapers: Baltimore families can request diapers and essentials from ShareBaby, search neighborhood drop‑offs at Share Items, and check if a local church partners with ShareBaby; DC‑region families can also look for hubs via the Greater DC Diaper Bank. (sharebaby.org)
Breastfeeding community support: Find statewide advocates at Maryland Breastfeeding Coalition, attend events such as Baby Buggy Walks listed on MDBC Events, and connect to free parent groups through La Leche League Locator. (mdbfc.org)
Maternal health initiatives: In Baltimore, explore B’more for Healthy Babies; in Prince George’s, ask your provider about Healthy Beginnings; and review community programs like B’more Fit for Babies if you want a supportive fitness group. (health.baltimorecity.gov)
Legal help and navigation: Call Maryland Court Help Centers at 410-260-1392, install the Court Help App, and ask for local self‑help hours; if your issue is landlord‑tenant or custody, the Finding Legal Help page lists providers and regional centers. (mdcourts.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 211 for faith‑based food and diaper pantries, message your hospital social worker for local charities, and ask your health department’s maternal‑child team for county‑specific programs.
Resources by Region
Baltimore City: Use B’more for Healthy Babies for safe sleep, home visiting, and cribs; access maternal‑child programs at BCHD Maternal & Child Health; get diapers from ShareBaby. (health.baltimorecity.gov)
Montgomery County: Link with Babies Born Healthy (events often promoted through Maryland Breastfeeding Coalition), call LOCATE: Child Care, and confirm county energy assistance via the state OHEP portal. (mdbfc.org)
Prince George’s County: Ask about nurse visits through Healthy Beginnings, energy applications by email or in‑person posted on PG DSS Energy Assistance, and check for new maternal programs such as PG Healthy Start announced by MedStar press. (princegeorgescountymd.gov)
Western Maryland (Allegany/Garrett/Washington): Get court‑based help at the Allegany Court Help Access & Info Center, request NEMT via your county health department (see examples like Queen Anne’s contact list page), and apply for WAP/EmPOWER via DHCD programs. (mdcourts.gov)
Southern Maryland (Charles/Calvert/St. Mary’s): Use LOCATE: Child Care for infant slots, apply for OHEP at MarylandBenefits.gov, and ask for Healthy Families/NFP via your MCO or Medicaid Home Visiting. (marylandfamilynetwork.org)
Eastern Shore (Cecil to Worcester): Check WIC local phone list at WIC Apply, schedule NEMT through your county health department, and request EmPOWER/WAP through DHCD if your home needs weatherization. (health.maryland.gov)
Diverse Communities and Inclusive Access
LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask your MCO to connect you to affirming mental health providers, use 988 Lifeline Maryland which supports LGBTQIA+ callers, and look for inclusive parenting groups via Maryland Breastfeeding Coalition; if you prefer peer support, PSI lists identity‑affirming groups at PSI‑MD. TTY services and language access are available through 988 and MHC. (health.maryland.gov)
Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Apply for Medicaid and request care coordination via your MCO, ask about MD Healthy Smiles with accessible clinics, and use 711 for Maryland Relay when calling Maryland Health Connection; for crisis and developmental supports, see DDA’s Crisis Services. Ask for large‑print applications when needed. (health.maryland.gov)
Veteran single mothers: Call the Women Veterans Call Center (1-855-829-6636) for maternity coordination, mental health, and newborn benefits; connect to a local WVPM via Women’s Health Needs; in crisis, dial 988 then Press 1 per VA Maryland Suicide Prevention. (womenshealth.va.gov)
Immigrant and refugee single mothers: Explore the Healthy Babies path for pregnancy coverage regardless of status, ask for interpreter services at Maryland Health Connection, and use WIC regardless of immigration status by calling 1-800-242-4942 at WIC Contact. (health.maryland.gov)
Tribal/Native families: Find Indian Health Service care via IHS Find Health Care, use the national 988 services for crisis (988 Maryland), and ask your MCO to list providers experienced with Native families; check WIC breastfeeding support at WIC Benefits. (health.maryland.gov)
Rural single moms: Use telehealth visits through your MCO, ask for NEMT through your county health department (see examples like Queen Anne’s NEMT), and request home visiting where available via Medicaid Home Visiting. (health.maryland.gov)
Single fathers raising newborns: You can use SNAP, OHEP, Child Care Scholarship, and WIC for baby formula and foods (WIC covers eligible caregivers); apply at WIC Contact, ask for lactation education for bottle‑feeding and safe formula prep, and get parent coaching via HealthySteps. (health.maryland.gov)
Language access: Maryland Relay 711 works for all state hotlines; 988 FAQ explains multilingual access; WIC posts Spanish contacts at WIC Español. Ask agencies for large‑print or translated forms when needed. (988helpline.org)
County‑Specific Variations that Matter
- Baltimore City: Strong postpartum and safe‑sleep programming through B’more for Healthy Babies; extensive diaper distribution via ShareBaby; multiple home visiting options through BCHD’s maternal‑infant programs. (health.baltimorecity.gov)
- Montgomery County: Frequent public breastfeeding and maternal‑child events promoted by Maryland Breastfeeding Coalition; Baby‑friendly hospitals and county perinatal initiatives run through DHHS; child care search supported by LOCATE. (mdbfc.org)
- Prince George’s County: Nurse case management and home visiting via Healthy Beginnings; energy office with email/fax options on PG DSS Energy page. (princegeorgescountymd.gov)
Troubleshooting: If Your Application Gets Denied
- Medicaid/postpartum denial: Request a reconsideration with proof of pregnancy end date and household income; attach the MDH expansion notice and ask your MCO to help; if still denied, file for a fair hearing and call the HealthChoice Helpline at 1-800-284-4510. (health.maryland.gov)
- SNAP denial: Submit missing verifications within 10 days, ask your worker to screen for expedited service, and appeal; review income standards at MD SNAP Income and keep copies of everything you uploaded. (dhs.maryland.gov)
- Energy denial or small award: Reapply with full 30‑day income, add fuel receipts, ask for USPP enrollment on OHEP paperwork, and use PSC help pages to seek Fuel Fund assistance. (dhs.maryland.gov)
Quick Tables You Can Use
Breastfeeding & Pump Rights at a Glance
| Right | What It Means | Where to Read More |
|---|---|---|
| Pump at work | Reasonable breaks + private, non‑bathroom space | DOL PUMP Act Fact Sheet |
| Breastfeed anywhere | Legal in public/private places you’re allowed to be | *[MD Right to Breastfeed](https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/wic/Pages/right-to-breast |
| Pump covered | Plans cover pumps and lactation support without copays | HealthCare.gov Breastfeeding |
Energy Help Stack
| Step | Program | Why It Matters | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OHEP (MEAP/EUSP) | Main grant + bill stabilization | OHEP |
| 2 | USPP | Protects from winter shutoffs | USPP Basics |
| 3 | Fuel Fund | Fills remaining balance | PSC Help Page |
Child Care Scholarship Income Snapshot (Initial)
| Family Size | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 3 | $94,026 |
| 4 | $111,936 |
| 5 | $129,846 |
Full table and redetermination rules: CCS Program (effective 12‑15‑2024).
SNAP 2025 Maximum Benefits (48 states + DC)
| Household | Max/Month |
|---|---|
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
See all sizes and updates: USDA FY 2025 COLA (effective 10‑1‑2024).
Medicaid Postpartum Coverage Paths
| Path | Who | Postpartum Length | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard expansion | Medicaid‑eligible during pregnancy | 12 months | Continuous regardless of income changes |
| Healthy Babies | Non‑citizen pregnant Marylanders | 4 months | Same pregnancy benefits; ask helpline to confirm timing |
Learn more: MDH Expanded Coverage and Healthy Babies.
FAQs (Maryland‑Specific)
Q: How long does my postpartum Medicaid last, and when should I renew?
Coverage runs 12 months from the day your pregnancy ends; set a calendar reminder 60 days before that date, watch your mailbox for renewal, and update contact info on Maryland Health Connection; the 12‑month policy is posted at MDH Newsroom.
Q: I’m a non‑citizen pregnant mom—am I eligible?
Yes—Maryland’s Healthy Babies covers pregnancy care regardless of status and includes postpartum coverage (currently four months in that pathway); call 1-800-456-8900 and apply through Maryland Health Connection.
Q: My hospital says my newborn isn’t covered—what do I do?
Ask the MCO Newborn Coordinator to enroll your baby retroactive to birth, add baby in your MHC account, and keep hospital records handy.
Q: Will Maryland paid leave pay me in 2025 after birth?
No—state paid leave (FAMLI) contributions are now scheduled for 2027 and benefits for 2028; rely on employer leave, FMLA, and sick leave; track updates at PaidLeave.Maryland.gov and learn Sick & Safe Leave rules.
Q: Where can I get a free breast pump?
Marketplace and group plans must cover pumps and lactation support without cost‑sharing; verify with your plan, and bring HealthCare.gov Breastfeeding to discharge; if denied, appeal in writing.
Q: Can I breastfeed in public in Maryland?
Yes—state law protects feeding in any public or private place you’re allowed to be and exempts many supplies from sales tax; see MD Right to Breastfeed and NCSL’s summary at Breastfeeding Laws.
Q: I can’t afford child care—how do I start?
Apply for the Child Care Scholarship (call 1-877-227-0125), then search the LOCATE: Child Care database to find open infant slots near you; ask providers if they accept CCS.
Q: Where can I get postpartum counseling fast?
Call or text 988 for a same‑day connection, join PSI’s online groups via PSI‑MD, and ask your MCO for in‑network therapy; preventive depression counseling has USPSTF backing at USPSTF Perinatal Depression.
Q: My power is about to be cut—what can I say?
Tell the utility you’re applying to OHEP, request a 55‑day hold, and ask to enroll in USPP; cite temperature shutoff limits from the PSC restrictions page.
Q: Who helps Veteran moms in Maryland?
The Women Veterans Call Center at 1-855-829-6636 connects you to VA maternity care, counseling, and local coordinators; in crisis, dial 988 then Press 1 per VA Maryland Suicide Prevention.
Spanish Summary / Resumen en Español
Esta sección es una traducción breve generada con herramientas de IA; confirme los detalles con las páginas oficiales enlazadas.
Cobertura posparto: Si tuvo Medicaid durante el embarazo, tiene 12 meses de cobertura total después del parto; renueve por Maryland Health Connection y vea la ampliación en MDH. Para inmigrantes embarazadas, consulte Healthy Babies.
Alivio inmediato: Solicite ayuda de energía en MarylandBenefits.gov y pida USPP; conozca reglas de cortes en la Comisión de Servicios Públicos; para alimentos, revise montos de SNAP en USDA 2025.
Salud mental: Llame o envíe texto al 988; grupos y apoyo en PSI‑Maryland; WIC en español al 1-800-242-4942 en WIC Contacto.
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.
This guide uses official sources including:
- Maryland Health Connection
- Maryland Department of Health (MDH)
- Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS)
- Maryland Department of Labor
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) FNS–SNAP
- U.S. Department of Labor (WHD)
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.
This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur – email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.
Disclaimer
Medical, legal, and financial content: This guide is general information, not medical advice, legal advice, or financial planning. Confirm current rules with your plan, state agencies, or a licensed professional. Program amounts and timelines can change by county and funding level; always call first to confirm availability.
🏛️More Maryland Resources for Single Mothers
Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Maryland
- 📋 Assistance Programs
- 💰 Benefits and Grants
- 👨👩👧 Child Support
- 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
- ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
- 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
- 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
- 🎓 Education Grants
- 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
- 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
- 🔧 Job Training
- ⚖️ Legal Help
- 🧠 Mental Health Resources
- 🚗 Transportation Assistance
- 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
- ⚡ Utility Assistance
- 🥛 WIC Benefits
- 🏦 TANF Assistance
- 🏠 Housing Assistance
- 👶 Childcare Assistance
- 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
- 🚨 Emergency Assistance
- 🤝 Community Support
- 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
- 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
- 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
- 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
- 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
- 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
- 👩💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
- 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
- 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
- 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
- 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
- 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery
