Rx Kids cash prescription program expands to support families across the U.P.

What’s happening: Rx Kids, the nation’s first community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program, is now available to families in the U.P. Under the program, expectant parents can apply to receive $1,500 during pregnancy, followed by $500 in monthly payments throughout their child’s first six months of life.

About the program: A maternal-infant health program, Rx Kids aims to ease financial pressures at a critical time for families welcoming a newborn, providing the stability and confidence needed to grow and participate more fully in their local communities. Launched in Flint in 2024, Rx Kids is led by Michigan State University and GiveDirectly and combines innovative research with proven direct-cash support models. The program has expanded across Michigan and now includes all communities throughout the U.P.

U.P. support: Of the program’s total cost in the UP, the majority of funding was allocated by a bipartisan agreement through the Michigan Legislature, with the remainder covered by public-private partnerships. In Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon Counties, Copper Shores Community Health Foundation and the Keweenaw Community Foundation contributed a combined $150,000 in funding to expand Rx Kids to our region, ensuring access for more local families.

The impact: Interest in Rx Kids is already building momentum, with 121 families already enrolled in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties, totaling $189,000 in cash prescriptions as of April 9, 2026.

What they’re saying:  “Keweenaw Community Foundation’s sponsorship is made possible through our Community Impact Fund,” said Robin Meneguzzo, CEO of the Keweenaw Community Foundation. “We’re grateful to the donors who support this fund and make it possible for us to respond quickly and invest in our community where it matters most.”

Who is Eligible and How to Apply: To be eligible for the program in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon Counties, families must either be expecting (at least 16 weeks pregnant) or have a baby born on or after March 1, 2026, and reside in one of the eligible counties. In other counties across the UP, the eligibility date may be earlier. Families can check their county’s eligibility date and apply at RxKids.org.