Free Pregnancy Testing Program
This program was created in efforts to reduce infant mortality in La Porte County. Efforts are being made to address low birth weight babies, decrease percent of premature deliveries, increase births where prenatal care begins during the first trimester, and decrease births where mothers have smoked during pregnancy. This task force is made up of essential personnel to collaborate in cooperation with area hospitals and community centers.
Our efforts are starting with a free pregnancy testing program.
FREE Pregnancy Testing
- FREE for clients 14 years of age or older
- La Porte Office
- Wednesdays – 8 am-3 pm
- Fridays – 8 am-3pm
- 3rd Thursday of the month 9am-1pm
- Michigan City Office
- Tuesday- 8:30-3:00
- First Thursday of the month 11am-3pm
- *Walk-ins may be able to be accommodated
- Please call for more information.
Each pregnant woman who tests positive will receive three months worth of pre-natal vitamins!
In addition with a positive pregnancy test, each mother will receive consultation for filing for presumptive eligibility (PE). Once PE is approved, a first prenatal care appointment with an area OB/GYN is set up at the time of the FREE pregnancy test. A referral to Division of Family and Children is given to applicants to complete their application for Medicaid.
A little bit about PE. PE is a short term coverage of outpatient prenatal care to women with low income while a Medicaid application is pending. The goal of PE is to provide women who are early in their pregnancy to seek the healthcare they need to ensure proper prenatal care.
PE will pay for prenatal visits regardless of approval of Medicaid.
If you are approved for PE, you MUST apply for Medicaid by the LAST DAY OF THE MONTH FOLLOWING THE MONTH YOUR PE WAS ESTABLISHED. For example, if you came to the health department and received a positive pregnancy test and a presumptive eligibility application was approved on September 15, you would have until October 31st to apply for Medicaid. Otherwise you would have to start the whole application process over again and this will delay your coverage and otherwise important vital prenatal care.
PE applications will be done online at each of the La Porte county office locations. The following is needed to get an application started:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- SSN
- Family Size (including unborn baby)
- Amount of monthly Income
You will receive a Recipient Identification Number(RID) which will need to be presented at each visit with the doctor or healthcare provider. PE care includes doctor visits, tests, lab work, dentists visits, prescriptions, mental health needs, and transportation assistance.
Services NOT covered include care when admitted to a hospital, labor and delivery, and services that are not pregnancy related. These services are covered through Medicaid. PE will be DROPPED if deadline for Medicaid application is not met.