Maternal and Infant Health
Pregnant or Thinking of Becoming Pregnant?
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is here to help. Your plan includes benefits and programs that can help you through pregnancy and after your baby is born. Having a baby can be filled with new and unexpected experiences. Our plan can help you make the most of your maternity benefits.
Once you are sure you are pregnant, you may choose either your primary care provider (PCP) or another Turquoise Care network provider to provide maternity care. The care of a pregnant mother is important. The mother’s health can affect the health of her newborn.
When you call, we will:
- Help you choose a primary OB/GYN provider or certified nurse midwife for your pregnancy
- Help you enroll in Care Coordination
- Help you choose a PCP for your baby (if your baby is eligible for Turquoise Care coverage)
Maternity Benefits
What is Covered?
- Doctor visits
- Doula support
- Lactation consultant
- Family planning, education, counseling
- Birth control
- Lab tests
- Up to 2 meals (or the grocery box equivalent) per day for pregnant women with diabetes. These meals may be provided for up to 11 months. However, this does not extend beyond 2 months after birth.
What is Not Covered?
- Fertility treatments
- Surgery to reverse sterilization
Get Help Throughout Your Journey
We want to help you better understand and manage your pregnancy. And we encourage you to take advantage of all the benefits your plan has to offer.
Well-Child Visits
Well-child visits are for children from birth to age 21. The PCP can check your child’s health, growth and development, and provide vaccines. This can occur many times throughout childhood. Well-child visits can sometimes be done when your child sees the PCP for a sick visit. Your PCP will guide you if more services are needed.
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT)
EPSDT helps to detect and treat health problems as early as possible. EPSDT services are provided to every Medicaid-eligible child from birth to age 21. BCBSNM wants your child to be healthy. Your plan covers checkups and preventive services for children. It also includes vaccines, lead testing, and dental, hearing and vision exams.
Check your to find out more about EPSDT and Well-Child Visits.
Did You Know Your Baby Needs 6 Well-Child Visits in Their First 15 Months?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your baby has 6 well-child visits in their first 15 months of life. These visits are important to make sure your baby is growing and developing in the right way. Well-child visits are not for when your baby is ill. Your baby can’t tell you when something is wrong. Call your baby’s provider to schedule a well-child visit. They know what to look for during these well-child visits.
Need Help Finding a Provider for Your Child?
To locate a provider in the BCBSNM network, Turquoise Care members can:
Call Member Services at 1-866-689-1523 (TTY: 711).
MATERNITY BENEFITS
Health and Wellness Resources
Whether you’re planning a family or need help with your pregnancy, your plan can help.
Family Planning and Contraceptive Care
Family planning helps you decide when you are ready to have a baby. Turquoise Care offers services to members when they need them. This can include:
- Counseling and health education so you know what is best for you
- Lab tests
- Birth control
- Doctor visits
Maternal Home Visit Program
This program is for members who are pregnant or have had a baby, as well as their infant. Home visitors come to see you in your home or via remote telehealth visits. You get information about pregnancy, child safety, breastfeeding, how to find childcare and much more. Learn more about this program.
Birthing Options Program
You can choose to have your pregnancy-related services at home or in a birthing center. You can get this care from a licensed certified nurse-midwife or a licensed direct-entry midwife. Get more details about this program in your .
Living365® for Pregnancy and Postpartum
The Virtual Heath Partners (VHP)* app gives you the flexibility to chat with registered dieticians 24/7. You get access to nutrition info, recipes, fitness classes and more. You can have an online virtual appointment with a dietician. Learn how to get started.
Doula and Lactation Support
Pregnant members can get doula support throughout pregnancy and childbirth. If you have trouble breastfeeding after delivery, you can get help from a lactation consultant. Coverage includes:
- Prenatal visits.
- Postpartum visits up to a year after delivery.
Lactation support services may be provided in the perinatal period through infant weaning.
Search the for doulas.
Food is Medicine (FIM)
FIM is a benefit for pregnant members with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. These members can get food that helps with their medical needs:
- Home-Delivered, Medically Tailored Meals (MTMs): These are fully prepared meals designed by a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) to meet the unique nutritional requirements of pregnant members with diabetes.
- Home-Delivered, Medically Tailored Groceries (MTGs): FIM can distribute unprepared or lightly processed foods that members prepare and eat at home. A complete MTG box will include a shelf-stable grocery box plus a fresh produce box.
You cannot receive multiple FIM services at the same time. FIM provides up to 2 meals per day (or the grocery box nutritional equivalent) for up to 11 months, not to extend beyond 2 months post-partum.
Members cannot self-refer. You must work with your provider to set up this benefit. Your provider will need to complete a . To submit the form, they should follow the instructions found on page 3 of the form.
*Virtual Health Partners, Inc. is an independent company that has contracted with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico to provide digital nutrition programs for members with coverage through BCBSNM. BCBSNM makes no endorsement, representations or warranties regarding third-party vendors and the products and services offered by them.