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Eligible families in Tennessee can now receive 100 free diapers per month, but the process for receiving these diapers is different from other government assistance programs such as TANF or SNAP.
Eligible families must visit a participating pharmacy — in Knoxville, these are usually Food City pharmacies — and line up at the counter as if they were picking up a prescription.
The new TennCare III amendment, which includes the diaper benefit, was approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on May 17 and is part of Governor Bill Lee’s Strong Families Initiative. Thanks to the amendment, more parents and caregivers will be eligible for TennCare starting June 1.
TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program, provides health insurance to more than 1.6 million low-income Tennessee residents, according to the Division of TennCare.
TennCare is the first Medicaid agency in the U.S. to offer free diapers, according to a state press release.
How to get free diapers through TennCare
Eligible families can now receive up to 100 diapers every 30 days.
To pick up the diapers, parents should first find a pharmacy near them on the list on the tn.gov website. More pharmacies are expected to be added to the list as the program expands.
At the pharmacy, parents and caregivers can pick up diapers at the pharmacy counter. They will need the child’s OptumRx card or Social Security number. Newborns who have not yet received an OptumRx card can use a parent’s card or Social Security number.
According to tn.gov, no prescription is required.
Questions about diaper allowance can be directed to OptumRx at 888-816-1680.
What type of diapers does TennCare provide?
Starting August 7, the fundraiser will include the Huggies and Cuties brands. Pampers and Luvs are listed as “coming soon.”
Each participating pharmacy will decide which of the covered brands to carry. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to speak with a pharmacist to learn more about which brands and types of diapers will be available at each pharmacy.
Diapers that have been collected cannot be returned or exchanged. If parents or caregivers purchase diapers from a non-participating pharmacy, no refunds will be given.
According to tn.gov, TennCare plans to expand its offerings of package sizes and diaper styles from the above brands in the coming weeks.
Who is eligible for free diapers?
The diaper benefit is available to TennCare and CoverKids members under 2 years old.
Participating pharmacies can help verify whether a child is eligible.
Who qualifies for TennCare?
According to TennCare, the following people may be eligible for the state health insurance program Medicaid:
- Adults with disabilities
- Persons under 21 years of age
- Parents or guardians of minors
- Seniors
- People being treated for breast or cervical cancer
- Those who are pregnant
Income and assets must be within certain limits, depending on which of these groups the applicant falls into. Applications for TennCare can be made at any time. For more information, visit tn.gov/tenncare.
If you need help applying, call 855-259-0701 or visit your local Department of Human Services office. The DHS office in Knoxville is located at 2700 Middlebrook Pike, Suite 200.
Who qualifies for CoverKids?
CoverKids provides health insurance for eligible children and pregnant individuals who are not eligible for TennCare.
A child may be eligible for CoverKids if:
- Are a resident of Tennessee
- Are under 19 at the time of application
- Are U.S. citizens or qualified noncitizens
- You do not qualify for TennCare and are not enrolled in TennCare
- Have a household income of no more than 250% of the national poverty line
A pregnant woman may be eligible for CoverKids coverage if she:
- Are a resident of Tennessee
- You do not qualify for TennCare and are not enrolled in TennCare
- Have a household income of no more than 250% of the national poverty line
How can I get free diapers if I don’t qualify for TennCare or CoverKids?
There may be times when families cannot afford diapers but are not eligible for TennCare or CoverKids.
How can you get help with diapers if you don’t qualify or 100 diapers a month isn’t enough? Knoxville-based nonprofit Helping Mamas can help fill the gap.
Helping Mamas provides free and essential baby products, including diapers, to families across East Tennessee. To receive diapers from Helping Mamas, fill out the assistance request at tennessee.helpingmamas.org. The organization will connect you with one of over 70 partner organizations that can provide resources.
Hayden Dunbar is the storyteller reporter. Email: [email protected].
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