Tennessee will become the first state in the U.S. to offer free diapers to families enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program, following federal approval. Families under Tennessee’s Medicaid program will soon be able to receive up to 100 diapers per month for children under two, starting in August. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved Tennessee’s proposal, which stemmed from a 2023 initiative by Republican Gov. Bill Lee. The state has allocated $30 million in TennCare funding for the free diapers, which will be available at TennCare pharmacies.
The approval letter from CMS highlighted the importance of providing an adequate diaper supply for infants and toddlers in preventing diaper rash and urinary tract infections. On average, newborn babies require eight to 10 diapers a day, while toddlers may use around 150 diapers a month. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee praised the diaper benefit as a way to support families in need and lead the nation in prioritizing resources for them. In addition to the diaper benefit, CMS also approved increasing TennCare’s income limit for parents to 100% of the federal poverty level.
Tennessee’s new diaper benefit makes it stand out among states, as it has chosen to reject federal funding for other valuable resources in the past. Earlier this year, the state opted out of a federal program that provided $40 per child per month to low-income families for food while school is out, and rejected roughly $9 million in federal funding for HIV prevention and treatment. Instead, health officials funded the HIV prevention program with state dollars in order to bypass federal requirements and avoid funding Planned Parenthood, which offers abortion and LGBTQ+ services.
According to a report from the Sycamore Institute, Tennessee now has the highest income eligibility for parents and caretakers among the 10 states that have not broadly expanded Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act. This increase in income eligibility for parents will benefit many families in Tennessee who are struggling financially. By offering free diapers to families enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program, Tennessee is taking a proactive step to support families and promote the well-being of infants and toddlers statewide.
The approval of Tennessee’s diaper benefit by CMS represents a positive step towards providing essential resources to families who need them the most. With the state taking the lead in covering the cost of diapers for mothers in the first two years of a child’s life, it sets an example for other states to follow. By prioritizing resources for families in need, Tennessee is demonstrating its commitment to supporting strong families and communities. The increased income eligibility for parents under TennCare will also provide additional assistance to families facing financial challenges. Overall, Tennessee’s initiative to offer free diapers to families under its Medicaid program reflects a commitment to improving the lives and well-being of its residents.
