WIC to add additional baby formulas to be covered by program
In an address from Cincinnati, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine spoke about what is being done to help families impacted by the infant formula shortage, including a new waiver request that will give families enrolled in Ohio Department of Health’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) additional formula options.
The Ohio WIC Office received USDA approval for the eight additional products that will be covered beginning June 13. The products include:
- Enfamil Infant Powder 29.4oz
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Powder 28.3oz
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Powder Box 31.4 oz
- Enfamil Gentlease Powder 27.7oz
- Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Powder 27.4 oz
- Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Powder Box 30.4 oz
- Enfamil AR Powder Box 30.4 oz
- Enfamil Prosobee Powder 20.9oz
Ohio is also working with the USDA to temporarily remove requirements for families enrolled in WIC who use special prescription formula. This formula requires a prescription by the child’s healthcare provider to treat a medical condition.
Currently, a WIC participant can only purchase the specific brand that is prescribed. This waiver will allow families enrolled in WIC the option to purchase store-brand equivalents of certain formulas without returning to their healthcare provider for a new prescription, making more options available to families.
Mead Johnson, the contracted manufacturer for WIC participants Ohio, along with the Ohio Department of Health, and the Ohio Department of Administrative Services is working to allow Ohio families to purchase alternate, non-contracted brands. These arrangements will expand formula access for families enrolled in WIC during the shortage.
Ohioans began receiving waivers from the USDA in February to help WIC-enrolled families get access to additional formula options. WIC program staff is working with healthcare providers and families enrolled in WIC to find alternative formulas as well.
ODH and Ohio WIC are encouraging participants to reach out to their local WIC office for information about their benefits and what formula is available.
