Sharing Information from the Health Care Authority: Infant Case Management

First Steps is a Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) program that helps low-income pregnant individuals get the necessary health and social services. It covers various services for pregnant individuals and their infants. One of the enhanced programs covered under First Steps is Infant Case Management. 

ICM helps parents access medical, social, educational and environmental services to improve the health and wellbeing of their infants. Through referrals and connections in the community, ICM promotes a supportive network for families. 

ICM usually begins when the baby is about 3 months old and can continue up to the last day of the month of the baby’s first birthday. Services can be provided virtually, in the provider’s office, in the family’s home or in a community setting. 

ICM is designed to provide targeted case management, including referrals to behavioral health services.  

• Screening and eligibility criteria for the ICM program take into consideration the mental health and substance use disorder needs of the parent(s), in addition to physical, social, and economic needs of the parent(s) and child. 
• Case management provided through ICM can help connect families to behavioral health services, in addition to other physical, social and economic supports. 
• ICM services aim to increase rates of developmental screenings for infants and postpartum mood disorder screening for caregivers.  

To refer a family to ICM, refer to the First Steps MSS and ICM Provider Directory or call the Help Me Grow hotline at 1-800-322-2588. 

To learn more about ICM, visit the First Steps enhanced services webpage.