September 1st, 2024
Graphic Credits: FARSB
FARSB advocates for bills that help families access the food they need, like AB 2446, which promotes better overall health and wellness while addressing food insecurity.
Assembly Bill 2446 is a measure that aims to allow families with infants diagnosed with certain conditions to purchase diapers through Medi-Cal, ensuring families are not food insecure due to their limited income being spent on diapers for their children.
While there are stipulations regarding which conditions qualify for this benefit, the bill can help families with children who have certain disabilities or physical ailments that require more than the average number of diapers per month.
AB 2446 Overview
This assembly bill would ensure that medically necessary diapers are provided through Medi-Cal, as mandated by the federal Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) program. This would make it easier for struggling families to keep up with food costs while having access to the necessary amount of diapers to keep their child clean.
Additionally, the bill would remove the current restriction for medically necessary prescription diapers in Medi-Cal, which states that only children age five and older can have access. This change would better align with the federal mandate under EPSDT. The restriction currently prevents children under five from receiving these benefits, even if they have a condition due to incontinence or an infection.
Current Law
AB 2446 differs from the current law that provides screening and preventative care for children 21 and under who are enrolled in Medicaid through the EPSDT program. [Section 51184 - EPSDT: Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 22]
The current law also allows participants in CalWORKS to be eligible for a $30-a-month benefit to assist with purchasing diapers for each child under 36 months of age. [Section 11323.2 of the Welfare and Institutions Code]
California law currently states that diapers aren't considered medically necessary if the child is under five years old, even with a documented condition that causes incontinence. A prescription is required to provide a diagnosis and to clarify the cause and type of incontinence.
According to the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN), California has one of the most restrictive definitions of the term "medically necessary," originally decided by outdated case law. This restrictive definition under Medi-Cal no longer aligns with federal law and leaves all children under five unable to access diapers even when they are medically necessary.
Diaper Needs in California
About 47% of families living in the U.S. reported not having enough diapers for their child to stay sufficiently clean without needing to cut back on other basic needs. If the child's diaper isn't changed at the appropriate time, there are a slew of health conditions could arise for the child.
Not only will being unable to change a child's diaper at the appropriate times cause health repercussions for the child but there are also mental health issues that can arise in both the parents and the child. This could also lead to behavioral concerns in the child, which may stem from consistent discomfort caused by infections, friction from wearing a soiled diaper for extended periods, and excessive moisture leading to urinary tract infections or painful skin issues.
Wrap-Up
Diapers are a necessary part of raising a healthy and happy child, and even if parents can afford them on their own, many are taking costs from other areas of basic necessities. Providing parents with better options to keep their child free from infections and illness caused by prolonged periods between diaper changes will help reduce stress in areas such as food insecurity.
Keeping kids healthy and strong can be as simple as supporting bills like AB 2446 to keep our entire community well.
If you want to stay updated on legislation being passed that affects FARSB's mission, please visit: FeedingIE.org/advocacy
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