FILE - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services building is seen, April 5, 2009, in Washington. Tennessee will soon become the first state in the country to offer free diapers to families enrolled in the states Medicaid program after receiving federal approval May 17, 2024, state officials have confirmed.
“For infants and toddlers, a key benefit to adequate diaper supply is preventing diaper dermatitis, otherwise known as diaper rash, and urinary tract infections,” CMS wrote in their approval letter to Tennessee on May 17. “Diaper rash is one of the most common medical conditions for infants and toddlers, and changing diapers frequently is the mainstay of recommendations to prevent this condition.”
“Strong families are central to strong communities, and Tennessee is leading the nation in prioritizing resources for families in need," Lee said in a statement on Wednesday. “We are the first state in the nation to cover the cost of diapers for mothers in the first two years of a child’s life, and we hope this is a model for others.”
Along with approving the diaper benefit, CMS approved increasing TennCare's income limit for parents to 100% of poverty. Previously, Tennessee's income eligibility was set at specific monthly amounts rather than being connected to the federal poverty level. Tennessee's new diaper benefit stands out as the state has gained attention over the years for becoming increasingly willing to reject federal funding that offer valuable resources to other families and struggling individuals.
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