NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Rebecca Alexander, R-Jonesborough, and State Rep. Tim Hicks, R-Gray, are encouraging parents in Washington County to take advantage of a new diaper benefit for children under two 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.
“Having strong and prosperous families is integral to the success of Tennessee,” the lawmakers said. “The cost of essential baby products like diapers can cause a financial headache for many parents in need. We hope this new TennCare benefit will give struggling parents greater peace of mind and keep children across the state healthy.”
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.
