NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced a new diaper program under the Strong Families Initiative. TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program, will now provide 100 diapers per month for children under two who are enrolled in TennCare or CoverKids healthcare coverage. This initiative will begin on Wednesday, August 7th.
“Strong families are the foundation for strong communities, and with our Strong Families Initiative, we’re taking bold steps to support families like never before by easing the financial burden on new mothers,” said Gov. Lee. “Through responsible management of our TennCare program and the shared savings model, these crucial services will be provided at no additional cost to Tennesseans. Together, we’ll strengthen families and create a brighter future.”
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TennCare is the first Medicaid program in the United States to offer this benefit. The funding for this initiative is made possible through the state’s unique TennCare III Medicaid waiver, which rewards Tennessee with shared savings for the efficient and responsible management of its Medicaid program. Over the first two years of the 10-year waiver, Tennessee has achieved over $600 million in shared savings. These savings are being reinvested to enhance benefits and services and reach more people in need. The diaper program is one example of how these shared savings are being utilized without any additional state expense.
This new benefit is part of Governor Lee’s Strong Families Initiative, designed to assist families with practical needs and create a supportive environment for growth. Providing diapers helps prevent painful rashes and infections, reducing emergency room visits. This benefit also supports working parents, who often need to supply diapers to keep their child enrolled in daycare or early childhood education programs.
TennCare is collaborating with pharmacies across the state to ensure members have easy access to this benefit. To receive diapers, TennCare or CoverKids members can visit any participating pharmacy and show their child’s OptumRx TennCare pharmacy card or provide their child’s social security number. New parents waiting on a TennCare ID for their newborn may temporarily use their own TennCare pharmacy ID card or social security number. No prescription is required.
Initially, TennCare will cover select lines and sizes of Huggies and Cuties diapers, with other brands such as Pampers and Luvs to be added over time. Members should check with participating pharmacies to see which products are available. The benefit will cover approximately 100 diapers every 30 days, with a provision to receive up to 200 diapers every 60 days to allow for varying package sizes.
For a list of participating pharmacies and more information on the diaper initiative, visit TennCare’s website. TennCare will update the website frequently as additional diaper brands and participating pharmacies are added throughout the program’s implementation.
Members with questions should call OptumRx at 888-816-1680.
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