We are thrilled to share some exciting news that will significantly impact families across Tennessee. TennCare, the state’s Medicaid program, has introduced a groundbreaking benefit that helps to address the critical need for many families – the TennCare Diaper Benefit.

What is the TennCare Diaper Benefit?

The TennCare Diaper Benefit is a new initiative aimed at providing diapers to families with young children. Recognizing that diapers are an essential, yet often costly, necessity for families, this benefit ensures that parents enrolled in TennCare have access to up to 100 diapers per month for each child under the age of two.

Why This Benefit Matters

Diapers are a basic need that many families struggle to afford. On average, a baby can require up to 12 diapers a day, which can cost families approximately $80 a month per child. Unfortunately, government assistance programs like WIC and SNAP do not cover the cost of diapers, leaving many parents in a difficult position.

The TennCare Diaper Benefit aims to alleviate this burden by providing a consistent supply of diapers to families in need. This support is crucial for several reasons:

  • Improved Health: Access to clean diapers helps prevent diaper rash and infections.
  • Economic Stability: Providing diapers allows parents to stay at work or school, as most childcare facilities require parents to provide a daily supply of diapers.
  • Mental Well-being: Alleviating diaper need reduces stress and anxiety for parents, allowing them to focus on providing a better quality of life for their families.

How to Access the Diaper Benefit

Enrolling in the TennCare Diaper Benefit is straightforward for eligible families. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Eligibility: Ensure that your child is enrolled in TennCare and is under the age of two.
  2. Visit a Participating Pharmacy: Find a list of participating pharmacies at www.tn.gov/tenncare/diapers. You must pick up diapers at the pharmacy counter, just like you would get a prescription medicine for your child. No prescription is needed.
  3. Receive Your Diapers: Each eligible child can receive a supply of up to 100 diapers every 30 days. Diapers from four major brands – Huggies, Cuties, Pampers, and Luvs – are covered.
  4. Cost: There is no cost for the diapers. Simply show your child’s OptumRx pharmacy card or provide your child’s Social Security Number. For newborns who have not received their OptumRx card, you can use the parent’s OptumRx card or Social Security Number.

For more detailed information on the TennCare Diaper Benefit, you can visit the official TennCare website here.

FAQs about the TennCare Diaper Benefit

  1. How do I know if my child is eligible for the benefit? The TennCare diaper benefit is available to all children under age 2 covered by TennCare and CoverKids. Participating pharmacies can help you check if your child is eligible. Make sure to have your child’s OptumRx card or Social Security Number. Children age 2 and older are not eligible for the benefit.
  2. How many diapers can I receive? Each eligible child can receive a supply of up to 100 diapers every 30 days. For additional help, see the list of Tennessee Diaper Banks at www.tn.gov/tenncare/diapers.
  3. What if the pharmacy doesn’t have the brand/size in stock? Pharmacies may not carry all brands, sizes, or types of diapers. Call a participating pharmacy to determine what brands are available. Talk with your pharmacists about the brands they plan to carry and what may work best for your child.
  4. Who can I call if I have questions? For questions about the diaper benefit, members can call OptumRx at 888-816-1680.

How Helping Mamas Knoxville is Supporting This Initiative

At Helping Mamas Knoxville, we are committed to ensuring that every family has access to the essential supplies they need to thrive. The TennCare Diaper Benefit aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are here to support families in navigating this new benefit.

  • Spreading the Word: We are actively working to raise awareness about the TennCare Diaper Benefit among our community members and partner agencies.
  • Additional Support: For families who may need more than the provided 100 diapers per month, we continue to offer additional diaper support through our own programs and partnerships. 

 

We encourage all eligible families to take advantage of the TennCare Diaper Benefit and ensure their little ones have the diapers they need. If you know someone who could benefit from this program, please share this information with them.