If you are unexpectedly pregnant, there are many local resources available to help you get the quality healthcare you need, with many options available for free or at low cost. Navigating the healthcare system can be complicated, so if you’re not sure where to begin, this guide will help you find healthcare coverage, choose a doctor, and get you and your baby off to a healthy start!
The first thing you should do is have a pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy. Savannah Care Center offers free confidential pregnancy testing and limited first trimester ultrasounds performed by our team of registered nurses. At your appointment, we will give you a letter confirming your pregnancy so you can apply for health insurance coverage and find an OBGYN doctor for your prenatal care.
If you are pregnant and have low income, you may qualify for Medicaid for Pregnant Women. This program pays for medical care during your pregnancy, including labor and delivery, and your coverage continues for 12 months after giving birth. This covers your prenatal visits, prescription medicines, and hospital visits. For more information about Georgia’s Medicaid for Pregnant Women click here. Applications for pregnant women are usually processed within 10 days. You will need:
If you are in financial hardship, Catholic Charities of South Georgia can help you get copies of out-of-state birth certificates and obtain a Georgia photo ID card.
You can apply for Medicaid online through Georgia Gateway, or in person at your local Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office:
Bryan County Department of Family and Children Services
133 West Dubois Street, Pembroke, GA 31321
(912) 653-2805
Chatham County Department of Family and Children Services
761 Wheaton Street, Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 644-5956
Effingham County Department of Family and Children Services
204 Franklin Street, Springfield, GA 31329
(912) 754-6471
Liberty County Department of Family and Children Services
112 West Oglethorpe Highway, Hinesville, GA 31310
(912) 370-2555
Applying for your healthcare coverage can be confusing. If you have questions and need a little help, there are several places in Savannah that offer free, one-on-one assistance in applying for Medicaid and other public assistance programs:
Chatham County Health Department
1395 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406
912-356-2441
(Call for days/times for Department of Community Health Enrollment Assisters)
Moses Jackson Advancement Center
1410 B Richards Street, Savannah, GA 31415
(912) 525-2166
(By appointment only)
Pennsylvania Avenue Resource Center
425 Pennsylvania Avenue, Savannah, GA 31404
(912) 651-4211
(By appointment only)
St. Mary’s Community Center
812 W. 36th Street, Savannah, GA 31415
(912) 447-0578
Step Up Savannah
428 Bull Street, Suite 208, Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 232-6747
(By appointment only)
The Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council has a list of healthcare providers that can offer free or low-cost women’s health services.
Coastal Community Health in Richmond Hill, GA accepts patients with Medicaid, and patients who have no insurance can be seen at an affordable sliding scale rate.
St. Joseph’s/Candler OBGYN and Memorial Health Women’s Care are physician groups that accept Medicaid.
Memorial Health Family Care offers prenatal and children’s care with same day and next day appointments available.
The Chatham County Health Department offers a range of affordable women’s health services including pregnancy testing, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment, vaccinations, health education and screening for certain cancers.
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia has a referral service to connect expecting moms with free or low-cost health services.
If you or someone you know is experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, you are not alone. The staff and volunteers at Savannah Care Center are here to provide support for women and men facing unplanned pregnancy decisions. We offer free pregnancy testing and ultrasound services, and provide a compassionate, confidential and non-judgmental environment to walk through your pregnancy options. Call today to schedule an appointment at 912-236-0916.
Disclaimers:
All information shared by you during your relationship with the Center and its representatives will be kept in strictest confidence except as required by law or as required for the protection of yourself or others.
Savannah Care Center does not offer or refer for abortions or birth control. Information is provided as an educational service and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.
Our services are not intended to be a substitute for licensed professional counseling or for either routine or emergency medical or prenatal care. Individuals who believe they are experiencing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1 and seek care from the nearest emergency room.
The information provided on this website is for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.
