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RX Kids cash-prescription pilot aims to expand to Grand Rapids zip codes; program reports early positive outcomes
Summary
RX Kids provides a $1,500 prenatal payment and $500/month for 6–12 months post-birth and has prescribed over $29 million to 8,300 families; Grand Rapids zip code 49507 is a candidate for expansion with an estimated annual cost of about $2.9 million.
Rosalynn Bliss presented the RX Kids cash-prescription program to the Kent County Health Equity Council, describing the model’s expansion across Michigan and potential selection of Grand Rapids zip codes for the next rollout.
RX Kids provides enrolled pregnant women a $1,500 lump-sum payment during pregnancy and $500 per month for 6 to 12 months after birth; payments are unconditional. Bliss said the program uses a zip-code eligibility model rather than income tests, braids public and philanthropic funding (MSU serves as fiduciary for public funds), and uses GiveDirectly to administer applications and disbursements. The program started in Flint in 2024, expanded in 2025, and has prescribed over $29 million to about 8,300 families, with an uptake rate Bliss described as about 98% and prenatal enrollment over 90%.
Bliss said RX Kids partners must demonstrate a local champion and a funding match to apply for three-year funding. She identified three high-need Grand Rapids zip codes under consideration, including 49507, which she said is about 52% Medicaid eligible; if 49507 is selected, she estimated an annual program cost of roughly $2.9 million, with the state covering about $2.6 million and funding partners covering approximately $317,790 for an expected ~642 births per year.
Council members asked operational questions. Carissa Judy asked how many pregnancies a family can enroll; Bliss said families can apply for each pregnancy during the three-year window and that payments for multiple births (twins) are disbursed per child. Mandy DeWilde asked whether adoptive children are covered; Bliss said she would check and report back. Bliss also noted researchers and foundations (including the Mott Foundation and the Steelcase Foundation) are funding longitudinal evaluations of the program in select communities.
Bliss said officials hope to announce the next communities for rollout later this month and, if Grand Rapids zip codes are selected, will coordinate with local partners such as First Steps Kent to promote enrollment.
