Michigan Expands Cash Aid Program for Moms and Babies to Upper Peninsula

Rx Kids program to provide $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly payments for 6-12 months after birth in all 15 Upper Peninsula counties.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Rx Kids program, which provides cash assistance to pregnant women and new parents, is expanding to the entire Upper Peninsula of Michigan starting in March 2026. The program, led by Dr. Mona Hanna who helped expose the Flint water crisis, currently operates in 29 communities across the state and has delivered $1.6 million to over 500 families in the eastern U.P. since launching there last year.

Why it matters

The expansion of Rx Kids to the entire Upper Peninsula is significant as the region faces economic challenges, including seasonal employment fluctuations, high costs of living, and barriers to accessing healthcare. The cash assistance provided by the program aims to alleviate financial burdens for families during a critical time of infant development.

The details

Rx Kids offers $1,500 in cash assistance mid-pregnancy and then monthly $500 payments for six or 12 months after birth, depending on the location. The program has grown rapidly since launching in Flint two years ago, and now operates in 29 communities across Michigan. In the eastern U.P., the program has delivered $1.6 million to over 500 families in Alger, Chippewa, Luce, Mackinac and Schoolcraft counties.

  • Rx Kids launched in Flint in 2024.
  • The program expanded to the eastern U.P. in March 2025.
  • On March 2, 2026, Rx Kids will open to all 15 counties in the Upper Peninsula.

The players

Rx Kids

A cash aid program for pregnant women and new parents that provides $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly payments for 6-12 months after birth.

Dr. Mona Hanna

The pediatrician who helped expose the Flint water crisis and is leading the Rx Kids program.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

The governor of Michigan who announced the expansion of Rx Kids to the entire Upper Peninsula.

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What they’re saying

“Starting March 2, Rx Kids will be open to every mom and baby across the Upper Peninsula, so whether you're a baby born in the 313 or the 906, you get to benefit from this. Whether they're deep in Lions country or they live closer to Lambeau Field, they will get to benefit from this, whether they live in our biggest city or our smallest town. At a time of so much national economic and uncertainty, we're showing up and we're putting money back in the pockets of people who need it most.”

— Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (freep.com)

What’s next

The application process for the expanded Rx Kids program in the Upper Peninsula is forthcoming, and will likely include documents to verify identity, residency, and pregnancy or guardianship status.

The takeaway

The rapid expansion of the Rx Kids program to the entire Upper Peninsula demonstrates Michigan's commitment to supporting families and addressing economic and healthcare challenges in rural parts of the state. The cash assistance provided by the program aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of new parents and infants during a critical period of development.