Pregnancy and health
During this important time in your health, Healthy Blue supports your care to help you have a healthy pregnancy and birth. Read on to understand your benefits and learn about the resources available to you through our New Baby, New LifeSM maternity program.
First steps to take if you are pregnant
Once you find out you are pregnant, there are three things to do right away:
Make an appointment with your OB (obstetrician) provider
Regular checkups and screenings are important to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible. An obstetrical provider (OB) is a medical expert in pregnancy care. You will see this OB for prenatal visits before your baby’s birth.
If you do not have an OB, use our Find a Doctor tool to help you find one near you.
Talk with your OB about safe ways to stay on schedule with your prenatal care, such as telehealth versus in-office visits.
Join My Advocate
My Advocate® is a health program that makes your care personal. The program starts with a health screener meant to help us find out more about you. The answers you give during the screener inform us of how to provide you with the best level of support based on your health needs. You can choose how you want to receive useful health updates and reminders – by mobile app, website, or phone.
Create an account on the My Advocate website or on the My Advocate app to start.
Sign up for Healthy Rewards*
You can earn gift cards just for going to your doctor visits. All you have to do is join the Healthy Rewards program first. To join, log in to the Benefit Reward Hub on your benefits page and visit the Healthy Rewards portal. You also can call 888-990-8681 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time.
*If you have both Medicare and Medicaid (dual benefits), you may not qualify for Healthy Rewards. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has rules for dual benefits. Please call Member Services at 833-388-1405 (TTY 711) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time to find out which benefits apply to you.
Keep health coverage for you and your baby
Our goal is to keep you and your baby healthy. Your baby could lose coverage with Healthy Blue after birth, depending on your state’s rules. You can ensure they stay enrolled with these steps:
Contact ACCESSNebraska for Medicaid enrollment options for your child, and to verify your ongoing Medicaid eligibility: ACCESSNebraska.ne.gov.
Call one of the numbers below to apply over the phone or to request a paper application. Phone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Central time.
- Enroll: 855-632-7633
- In Lincoln: 402-473-7000
- In Omaha: 402-595-1178
Visit a local DHHS office.
You also need to renew your health benefits every year.
When it’s time to renew your coverage, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will send you a renewal form. You can renew:
Online — Log in to your ACCESSNebraska account.
Mail — Fill out the form mailed to you by DHHS or downloaded from the ACCESSNebraska website and send it back as soon as possible. Be sure to fill out the form correctly. It’s important that DHHS has your current phone number and address.
Phone — Call DHHS at 855 632-7633 (TTY 402-471-7256) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Central time and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon Central time.
In person — Visit your local DHHS office. Find an office near you.
You can contact DHHS through any of the methods above to request a renewal form if you have not received one.
The 24-Hour Nurse Help Line is ready 24/7 to answer any health questions when your OB’s office is closed. Call 833-388-1405 (TTY 711) to speak with a registered nurse.
Tools and resources
There are many places online to search for pregnancy resources and support. The Pregnancy and beyond resource guide has information about your benefits, health guidance, and resources to help you keep yourself and your baby healthy in one guide.
Watch how your baby grows and changes inside the womb. Visit Health A to Z.
Breastfeeding is a healthy decision to make for your baby’s growth and development. Healthy Blue may cover the cost of a standard electric breast pump. Please contact Member Services at 833-388-1405 (TTY 711) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time to ask how you can receive a breast pump.
For more support with breastfeeding:
- Visit La Leche League International or call the La Leche League Breastfeeding Helpline at 877-452-5324. Leave a message and someone will call you back.
- Visit the Infant Risk Center or call 806-352-2519 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time.
My Advocate
Track your pregnancy and prepare for your baby’s birth.
SparkRecipes Healthy Recipes
Search more than 190,000 free healthy recipes.
Show Your Love
Simple tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help you have a healthy pregnancy.
MyPreemie
Graham's Foundation provides support, advocacy, and research for preemies and their families. Their MyPreemie App supports families with preemies.
My NICU Baby
This app was created with the March of Dimes to provide answers, tools and support for the families of a NICU baby.
Community Resource Link
Get help finding food, jobs, housing, and paying bills.
Infant Safe Haven
Learn about safe-haven laws in your state and what to do if you cannot care for your newborn.
Visit the National Safe Haven alliance
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
WIC is a program that provides resources and education to families with children. You can receive vouchers for food, health education, and peer counseling for moral support in parenting.
Visit the WIC website
A strong network of support can be helpful to handle the loss of a baby. Use these resources to find support:
- CJ First Candle — Support for families who have had a pregnancy or infant loss. Call 800-221-7437 (TTY 711). Grief counselors are on hand at no cost 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- National SHARE — Pregnancy and infant loss support. Call 800-821-6819 (TTY 711) Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central time.
- MISS Foundation — Support and resources after the death of a child. Call 888-455-6477 (TTY 711) 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Central time.
You may have questions about sex, relationships, body changes, or birth control. When you get regular checkups, you can talk with your primary care provider. If you want to talk privately, ask your doctor if they can answer your questions without a parent in the room.
You also can find helpful information online:
- Teen health
- Am I in a healthy relationship?
- Learn more about reproductive health for teens.
- Learn more about quitting smoking at teen.smokefree.gov.
- Take charge of your health: A guide for teens
- What is teen health?