While medical researchers are making progress discovering the underlying causes of birth defects, birth defects still affect 150,000 babies born in the United States each year and continue to be the leading cause of infant mortality. To increase awareness about this matter, January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month. Researchers continue to investigate the causes of birth defects and ways to prevent them, and some studies have shown that the risk of some birth defect can be reduced by good prenatal health care and nutrition. For instance, folic acid, a B-vitamin, has been shown to reduce the risk of spina bifida and other related brain and spinal defects when taken before and during pregnancy.
In recognition of National Birth Defects Prevention Month, Benefits.gov is highlighting a few of the benefit programs available to expectant parents and those caring for children with special needs.
Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities
Early intervention services are available at no cost for eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities (birth to 3 years of age) and their families. Families of infants and toddlers who meet their state’s eligibility requirements will receive a comprehensive evaluation and assessment and be assigned a service coordinator who will assist them. Other fee-based services designed to meet the unique needs of the child may be provided on a state-by-state basis. For more information of eligibility requirements and contact information, visit the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities page.
Maternal and Child Health Services
Maternal and Child Health Services are offered in 50 states are jurisdictions to assist families access timely, high-quality healthcare. Priority is given to households with low incomes or limited available care. You must check with the office in the state you live in to confirm your family’s eligibility to receive this benefit. For more information, visit the Maternal and Child Health Bureau page.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at a nutritional risk. To be fully eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must be cleared by a health professional to be at a nutritional risk. For more program information on program requirements and contact information, see the WIC Program Page.
Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) provides a health care program for natural children diagnosed with spina bifida (excluding spina bifida occulta) born to certain Vietnam veterans. Coverage from this program is based on eligibility determinations made by the VA Regional Office. For more information, visit the Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits page.
Benefits.gov encourages you to take the Benefit Finder questionnaire to find other benefits you may be eligible to receive.
