WIC formula shipments paused in Kansas, here’s why

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Kansas Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is temporarily shutting down shipments of formula to its clients amid the ongoing government shutdown.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced on Oct. 20 that clients of the WIC program in Kansas will not be receiving formula for pick up at their local WIC clinics due to the federal government shutdown. People can still get formulas that are normally accessible through an authorized WIC vender, available on store shelves or ordered through a pharmacy at this time.

The KDHE anticipates that available WIC food money should last into November. The health agency remains committed to helping families with their food and nutritional needs despite the ongoing shutdown.

The KDHE also reports that orders for specialized WIC formulas that are not available through authorized WIC vendors can no longer be placed or distributed through the WIC program as of Oct. 10. Providers are encouraged by the KDHE to prescribe alternative formulas listed on the WIC formulary and which are available through local vendors and pharmacies to avoid access disruptions.

Medicaid is the primary payer for qualified specialized formulas listed in the KMPA bulletin 25047 for WIC participants who are also receiving Medicaid benefits.

“These formulas account for a substantial share of program costs, and they require significant staff time to process. Local WIC agencies will provide a letter to the clients who utilize our ship to clinic services addressed to medical providers to inform them of this disruption of services.”
KDHE press release excerpt

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