Yes. For babies born in California, state law requires a blood sample to be taken from a newborn’s heel from 12 to 48 hours after birth to check for serious, but treatable genetic disorders. Medi-Cal and most other insurance companies cover the NBS Program about 99% of the time. Parents who want their baby's blood spot destroyed after newborn screening can contact the program and request this. Visit The California Department of Public Health for more information.