Federal law mandates Medicaid coverage of infants born to Medicaid recipients for a period of up to 12 months, as long as the mother remains Medicaid-eligible (or would continue to be eligible if still pregnant) and as long as the infant resides with the mother.

A new Hospital/Physician Referral Form for Newborns (DCO-645) must be completed to report the birth of a Medicaid eligible infant. The referring providers must complete and mail the form to the DHS County Office of the mother's residence county within 5 days of the infant's birth, when possible. The form will serve the Division of County Operations as verification of the birth date of the infant as well as documentation of relationship.

A newborn certification for Medicaid eligibility will be made within 5 working days from receipt of the completed Form DCO-700 if the following conditions are met: