Tennessee, Delaware first states to provide free diapers for some families

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) – Tennessee is set to become the first U.S. state to provide free diapers to families enrolled in its Medicaid program, while Delaware will extend a pilot program offering a similar service to some postpartum parents.

According to the National Diaper Bank Network, 92% of families receiving diapers in Tennessee are working and still are unable to afford diapers. TennCare – Tennessee's Medicaid program – said effective in August, it will become the first Medicaid agency in the nation to cover the cost of up to 100 diapers per month for TennCare and CoverKids members under 2.

On Tuesday, hundreds of packages of 50-count newborn diapers sitting in a box at the Bare Needs Diaper Bank ready to be given to families in need. 

Nicole Willis, the marketing and communication manager for Mid-South Food Bank, says as prices spike for almost everything for families, so too has demand at the bank.

"So, of course, as we see an increase in food, people needing food, we are going to see an increase in people needing diapers," said Willis, who added that this will help families in need, the Bare Needs Bank, and most importantly, babies. "This allows us to ease the load so we can help hand and hand to make sure those families and babies are provided for to keep the diaper rash away."

Parents and legal guardians will soon be able to collect diapers directly through the point of sale at pharmacies in the pharmacy benefit manager network. TennCare will provide further information on how to sign up for the program once the initiative is ready to launch.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has also approved extending a pilot program in Delaware that provides free diapers and wipes to postpartum parents for the first three months after giving birth.

In Delaware, individuals will be allowed to receive up to 80 diapers and up to one pack of baby wipes per week in the first twelve weeks postpartum. CMS agreed the state could use Medicaid funding to extend the program another five years.

“Access to sufficient diapers offers health benefits to the parent, as well, as diaper need is associated with maternal depression and stress,” said Martha Lodge, spokesperson for the Delaware Health and Social Services in an email.

On average, newborn babies can require eight to 10 diapers a day, or around 300 a month. Toddlers can use around 150 diapers a month.

The recent approvals in both Delaware and Tennessee come as public health advocates say that families are increasingly struggling to afford enough diapers for their children — not only putting babies at risk of infection and rashes, but also forcing parents to miss work or school because they can't afford enough diapers required at many childcare centers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.