Rx Kids has enrolled 63 Ypsilanti families since the direct cash assistance program was expanded to the city in December 2025.
Rx Kids, led by Michigan State University, offers eligible families $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 a month for six months after birth. $94,000 has been distributed through the program as of Jan. 27, 2026, according to a statistics dashboard on the organization's website.
The program, which was started in Flint in 2024, was allotted $270 million in the state budget in October 2025. As of Jan. 30, 2026, 24 areas in Michigan are now eligible for the program. The Detroit government recently projected that coverage would start in the city within the first 100 days of its new mayor's term.
According to U.S. Census data, the fertility rate in Ypsilanti was 3.7% in 2023. To qualify for the program, Ypsilanti applicants must live in the city of Ypsilanti and either be at least 16 weeks pregnant or have given birth after November 2025. When applying online, applicants will need to provide a copy of a government-issued ID, proof of residency and proof of pregnancy. If applying after birth, proof of birth and guardianship will need to be provided instead.
On Dec. 10, 2025, the Michigan House Appropriations Committee blocked over $645 million in funding to state programs, including $18.5 million that had been allotted to the expansion of Rx Kids to new areas in the state. As of Jan. 16, 2026, the funds had been refrozen after a back-and-forth legislative battle between Michigan House Republicans and Attorney General Dana Nessel. The funding block did not impact previous funding for Rx Kids, according to a statement released by the organization following the initial blockage.
"We are working around the clock with state leaders, budget officials and community and philanthropic partners to understand what options remain," Rx Kids' statement said. "Our priority is protecting Michigan families — especially pregnant moms and newborns — who are already experiencing the health, financial and emotional benefits of this program."
On Jan. 30, 2026, when asked about plans for long-term funding, Katie Jones told The Eastern Echo in an email, "We are continuing to seek partners and fundraise through the next year." Jones is the manager of Strategic Communications, Economic Development & Equity for the city of Ypsilanti.
A similar federal program created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last year called Trump Accounts is currently set to start July 5, 2026. Trump Accounts will be available to babies born from 2025 to 2028, according to the program's website. Whereas Rx Kids provides immediate direct deposits to families, Trump Account holders will receive an initial $1,000 deposit to an investment account that will remain locked until they turn 18.
"It is a pro-family initiative that will help millions of Americans harness the strength of our economy, to lift up the next generation," President Trump said about the Trump Accounts program at a White House press event June 9, 2025.
According to the most recent data on the Rx Kids website, 53.8% of Ypsilanti families enrolled in the program had an annual household income of $30,000 or less and 93.65% were pregnant at the time of enrollment.
"I think the success is in the numbers," Jones said. "People are signing up and getting access to resources during a time they most need them and that is amazing."
More information about Rx Kids, including the online application portal, can be found on the organization's website.
