TennCare diaper benefit reaches 9,000 Tennessee families in first two weeks

More than 9,000 Tennessee families have signed up to receive free diapers through the Division of TennCare’s new diaper benefit since it launched on Aug. 7.

Gov. Bill Lee visited Pruitt’s Discount Pharmacy on Dickerson Pike in Nashville this week to hand deliver some of the first boxes of diapers distributed through the new benefit — the first of its kind in the nation.

“Diapers are something that every family needs when they have a child, and they’re incredibly expensive — it’s really difficult,” Lee said. “Our TennCare waiver allows us to share savings. It’s an innovative program that’s given us the opportunity to expand the services for our Medicaid population.”

Through the new benefit, TennCare and CoverKids members under the age of 2 can access up to 100 diapers each month from an approved list of brands. Covered brands include Huggies and Cuties diapers. Pampers and Luvs will soon be added.

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Diapers can be picked up at about 200 pharmacies in more than 85 counties across the state — no prescription is required. Parents should bring their child’s OptumRx pharmacy card or Social Security number, or for newborns, the parent’s OptumRx card or Social Security number may be used.

Families can sign up for the benefit at tn.gov/tenncare .

Tennessee is the first state in the nation to help families cover the cost of diapers . State lawmakers approved $30 million for the new benefit in 2023, at Lee’s request.  Federal counterparts approved the new TennCare pilot benefit earlier this year, and the Division of TennCare has worked quickly to implement the benefit.

Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com or on X @Vivian_E_Jones.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TennCare diaper benefit reaches 9,000 Tennessee families in first two weeks