NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Paul Sherrell, R-Sparta, is encouraging parents in Warren and White counties to take advantage of a new diaper program 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.
“This is an excellent benefit that I hope will positively impact the health and well-being of many families in our community,” Sherrell said. “Diapers and other baby products can be a huge financial burden on parents. I was proud to back this initiative last year to provide some relief 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, with additional locations expected to be added.
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.
For more information, visit the TennCare Diaper Benefit website.