Connect Program - Healthy Start Coalition of Miami-Dade

Connect Program

What is Connect?

Through universal screenings, Connect identifies needs and links families to the programs that best serve them. This coordinated intake and referral process ensures the best fit for families and streamlines access to services. At the same time, it improves program enrollment and retention rates, reduces duplication of efforts and builds a broader early childhood system of care in Florida. Connect helps pregnant women, caregivers and families with young children by providing a one-stop entry point for needed services, such as education and support in childbirth, newborn care, parenting, child development, food and nutrition, mental health and financial self-sufficiency.

Services

Pregnancy education and support
Childbirth education
Newborn care instruction
Breastfeeding education and support
Parenting education and support
Counseling services
Help to quit smoking
Nutritional education
School readiness
Child development education and support
Family planning education
Car seat safety
Infant safety
Home visiting programs
Other community resources

Eligibility

SOBRA Medicaid is a medical insurance that covers pregnancy-related procedures until 60 days postpartum. Women qualify based on household income. A woman may have a household income of $51,000 and still qualify for SOBRA if she and her partner work and they have four children plus the one they are expecting. If you are pregnant, you may qualify for this special health insurance program. To see if you are eligible click here to review the Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines. You can apply for this program if your family meets these guidelines, even if you or other family members are working.

Once you are enrolled, the program will cover medical care and hospitalization during your pregnancy. It may also cover health care bills you received up to three months before your enrollment. There is no cost for this coverage. Your baby may also be eligible for free insurance after he or she is born.

Applications are available at physician’s offices, the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Department of Children and Families, and other qualifying pregnancy testing centers. If your health care center needs applications please call the MomCare Program of the Healthy Start Coalition of Miami-Dade at (305) 541-0210 or click here for more information.

How to Apply

How Do I Apply?

MomCare is available to women who meet the following requirements:

Have proof of a positive pregnancy test on a physicians or pregnancy centers letterhead that states expected delivery date.
Have a household income at between 150% and 185% of the poverty level. See Income Chart.
Be a United States citizen or a legal alien.
Be a Florida resident.

Filling out the Application

Fill out applicant information in full. Answer questions 1-10 completely. Do not omit ANY information or skip ANY questions or approval of the application will be delayed or denied.
Don’t forget to have the applicant sign the form!
Attach the applicant’s positive pregnancy test results received from a health professional’s office (results must be on letterhead) to the application.
Affix postage and mail the application or fax to the Department of Children and Families address for the home zip code of the applicant. Click here to see list of DCF Economic Self Sufficiency Services Centers including addresses and fax numbers.

Additional Considerations:

Telephone: Please list a phone number and any alternate phone numbers where you can be reached.
Other Income to Report: Social Security Numbers of the Pregnant Woman, the husband or the father of the baby, when he lives in the home with the pregnant woman; any Social Security or Child Support Income received for the pregnant woman’s other children in the home.
Pregnant Woman Under Age 21: If the pregnant woman resides with her parent(s), list the names of the parent(s.)

What is the process of MomCare?

Medicaid eligibility is determined at DCF

Client completes simplified form declaring income and proof of pregnancy
Local DCF office determines eligibility
DCF notifies Agency (fiscal agent)
Agency notifies the Coalition
Coalition sends printed information about MomCare to the client

Initial contact with the client:

Maternity Care Advisor (MCA) explains the program
Client gives consent and given notice of privacy practices
A list of provider choices is given to client
MCA facilitates contact with Agency’s enrollment broker for enrollment in a manged care plan
Client encouraged to complete the Healthy Start screen
MCA facilitates WIC to the client

Maternity Care Advisors & Connect Intake Coordinators

Maria Neri
Program Manager

Ailyn Cardenas
Maternity Care Advisor

Maria Carrero
Maternity Care Advisor

Martine Ettiene
Maternity Care Advisor

Roudeline Milien

Maternity Care Advisor

Cindy Cuadra
Intake Coordinator

Jorge Jimenez
Intake Coordinator

Eriana Peralta
Intake Coordinator

Carolina Peredo
Intake Coordinator

Melanie Rengel
Intake Coordinator

Prenatal Care and OB/GYN Office Locator