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Committee hears proposal to use Medicaid waiver to cover infant diapers; DHHS outlines costs
Summary
Rep. Carrie Sorensen proposed HB1798 to allow DHHS to apply for a Medicaid waiver covering 100 diapers per month in an infant's first year. Sponsors and pantry operators described unmet need and pilot program results; DHHS provided preliminary fiscal estimates and said federal matching funds would offset much of state cost.
Representative Carrie Sorensen told the House Health Committee HB1798 would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to apply for a federal Medicaid waiver to cover 100 diapers per month for infants in their first year of life. Sorensen said diapers are an essential health necessity not covered by SNAP and that families facing diaper scarcity experience health and workforce consequences.
Community groups, pantries and elected officials support federal waiver approach
Witnesses including Tia Middleton of the Manchester Diaper Pantry and the Community Action Partnership of Strafford County described unmet need across New Hampshire. Middleton said her pantry serves about 100 families per month and that a recent pilot partnership allowed providers to distribute a month’s supply, which reduced immediate financial strain and helped families stabilize housing and employment.
Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill supported the waiver concept as a targeted, preventative investment, noting the program would be a demonstration to be implemented carefully with reporting requirements.
DHHS fiscal outline and distribution options
David Chorney, Deputy Medicaid Director, told the committee that Medicaid coverage would draw federal matching funds (the department estimated about a 65% federal match for children). The department provided illustrative fiscal estimates: a modest general fund need in the first year (an estimated ~$165,000 state share in FY27 with federal match) and larger implementation estimates for FY28 (roughly $900,000 state share matched by just over $1,000,000 federal funds) pending CMS approval and waiver terms.
Distribution models discussed included pharmacy pickup (Tennessee model), WIC or existing community diaper pantries, and bulk procurement to reduce per‑unit costs. Committee members asked for detailed fiscal modeling and implementation plans before decisive action.
What’s next: Committee members indicated interest in the policy but asked for a full fiscal note and implementation details from DHHS and the sponsor before advancing.
Sources: Representative Carrie Sorensen (prime sponsor), Tia Middleton (Manchester Diaper Pantry), David Chorney (Deputy Medicaid Director, DHHS).
