NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Jerome Moon, R-Maryville, is encouraging parents in Blount County to take advantage of a new diaper benefit for children under two years old enrolled in TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program.
Members of TennCare and CoverKids can now receive up to 100 free diapers per eligible child each month at participating pharmacies in Tennessee.
“The federal government’s economic policies have worsened inflation and made it difficult for many Americans to afford essential baby items, including diapers,” Moon said. “This new TennCare benefit will go a long way in meeting the needs of families in Blount County. I was proud to support this initiative last year, and I hope it provides much-needed relief and peace of mind to Tennesseans in need.”
Tennessee on Aug. 7 became the first state to offer Medicaid members free diapers for children under two. The new TennCare benefit was approved by the General Assembly last year as part of Gov. Bill Lee’s Strong Families Initiative.
Parents can obtain disposable diapers, including training diapers, from participating pharmacy counters across Tennessee by presenting their child’s OptumRx card. A list of pharmacies can be found here.
Diapers can cost an average of nearly $1,000 a year, and in 2023, 47% of families reported being unable to afford an adequate supply for the required number of changes, according to the National Diaper Bank Network. Babies can experience painful rashes and urinary tract infections without proper diaper changes.
Program administrators are working to expand to additional pharmacy locations across Tennessee. For more information, please visit the TennCare Diaper Benefit website.