The state of Tennessee will soon be the first state in the country to offer free diapers to families enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program after receiving federal approval, state officials confirmed. Similarly, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also agreed to extend a pilot program in Delaware that provides free diapers and wipes to postpartum parents for the first three months after delivery.
The new approvals in both Delaware and Tennessee come at a time when public health advocates say families are finding it increasingly difficult to access enough diapers for their children, which not only puts children at risk of infections and skin rashes, but also leads parents to miss work. or to school because they may not be allowed, if they do not have enough diapers, which are necessary in many kindergartens.
On average, newborns may need eight to ten diapers a day, or about 300 diapers a month, while toddlers may use about 150 diapers a month.
Free diapers for Delaware Medicaid families
“For infants and toddlers, a key benefit of adequate diaper supplies is the prevention of diaper rash, also known as diaper rash, and urinary tract infections,” CMS said in its approval letter sent to the state. of Tennessee on May 17. Rash is one of the most common diseases. “Common medical conditions for infants and toddlers, and frequent diapering is the mainstay of recommendations to prevent this condition.”
According to TennCare, the program Medicaid From the state of Tennessee, families could receive up to 100 diapers a month for children under two years old starting in August, which will be available at TennCare pharmacies.
The request arose from an initiative backed by Republican Governor Bill Lee in 2023, it was created to provide assistance to families, for which lawmakers approved allocating $30 million in TennCare funds for free diapers.
“Strong families are critical to strong communities, and Tennessee is leading the nation in prioritizing resources for families in need,” Lee said in a statement early Wednesday. “We are the first state in the country to cover the cost of diapers for mothers during the first two years of a child’s life and we hope this will be a model for others.”
Medicaid Families in Delaware to Receive Free Diapers
In Delaware, people could receive up to 80 diapers and up to one package of baby wipes per week for the first twelve weeks after delivery. CMS agreed that the state could use funds by Medicaid to extend the program for five more years.
“Access to enough diapers also offers health benefits for parents, as the need for diapers is associated with maternal depression and stress,” Martha Lodge, a spokeswoman for Human and Health Services, said in an email. Delaware Health.
In addition to approving the diaper benefit, CMS approved an increase in the TennCare income limit for parents to 100% of poverty. Previously, Tennessee income eligibility was set at specific monthly amounts rather than being connected to the federal poverty level.
This means that a parent in a three-person household used to have an income limit of about $1,600 per month; Under the new changes, the income limit increases to approximately $2,000 per month.
