The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that over 11,000 babies are born every day in the US, and the Massachusetts Health Care For All (HCFA)wants to do its part and help these babies grow up healthy. Our goal is to provide some of the building blocks to help as many Massachusetts babies as possible to have a good start in life.

Having access to health coverage, receiving prenatal care, and obtaining critical information that can help moms take care of their newborns are some of the building blocks that can help babies be healthier. That is why HCFA is partnering with text4baby to make sure moms-to-be and newbie moms not only have access to health coverage but also to information that will help them to better take care of their babies.

Every day, HCFA’s Helpline assists families with their health insurance questions and signs people up for health coverage. Each year, we help thousands of people looking for information about health care in Massachusetts.

Starting on February 28th, HCFA’s Helpline counselors will share text4baby with the moms and pregnant women who call our HelpLine. In addition, the 66 partners in our “got coverage? Health Coverage For Kids and Teens” campaign will be invited to share this resource with their clients. These 66 partners have helped the “got coverage?” campaign go the extra mile and now thousands of children and families have access to the health coverage they need to stay healthy. We now count on these partners to make sure moms and moms to be learn about text4baby!

These moms and moms-to-be will be able to get free text messages that will help them to remember doctor’s appointments for them or their child, keep track of immunizations due dates, and learn about new topics that they can talk to their doctors about.And text4baby now sends messages that inform people about the availability of health care coverage.

The “got coverage?” campaign has been doing big things for kids for a long time now. We’ve partnered with community and faith-based organizations as well as the ethnic media to deliver our message far and wide that all children 0-18 are eligible for health coverage regardless of income and immigration status. Our HelpLine counselors are trained to answer your health coverage questions and help you to apply over the phone. They are available Monday through Friday to help you with whatever you need, simply call 1-800-272 4232.

Text4Baby sends text messages three times a week throughout the moms’ pregnancy and until her baby is one year old. The messages have information on how to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby and include tips on topics including breastfeeding, car seat safety, developmental milestones, emotional well being, exercise and fitness, immunizations, labor and delivery, nutrition, prenatal care, safe sleep, and stop smoking. The text messages also share phone numbers that help moms to connect to different resources, including health coverage.

We at HCFA know that health insurance isn’t the only building block our kids need for their health. This amazing text messaging service provided by text4baby will add to the mix. Spread the word about this great service. Text the word BABY (or BEBE for Spanish) to the number 511411. Then? Enjoy the benefits of receiving FREE texts that will help you to keep your baby healthy!