WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, provides supplemental food and nutrition education to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. WIC offers various food packages, including milk, cereal, peanut butter, and eggs. Nutramigen, a specialized hypoallergenic formula for infants with cow’s milk allergies, is not typically covered by WIC due to its high cost. However, in certain cases, WIC may provide Nutramigen if it is medically necessary and prescribed by a healthcare provider. To determine eligibility for Nutramigen coverage, you should contact your local WIC office and provide a prescription from your healthcare provider.
Nutramigen Eligibility Under WIC
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally funded program that provides nutritional assistance to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as to infants and children up to age 5.
Nutramigen
Nutramigen is a hypoallergenic formula specifically designed for infants with milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance. It is a partially hydrolyzed whey protein formula that contains broken-down whey proteins that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
WIC Program Eligibility
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women up to one year postpartum
- Postpartum women up to six months postpartum, if not breastfeeding
- Infants from birth to one year of age
- Children from one to five years of age
To be eligible for WIC, participants must meet income and nutritional risk criteria. Income eligibility varies by state, but generally, families must have incomes at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
| Family Size | Income Limit (185% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $24,563 |
| 2 | $32,697 |
| 3 | $40,830 |
| 4 | $48,964 |
| 5 | $57,097 |
| 6 | $65,230 |
Nutritional risk factors that may make a participant eligible for WIC include:
- Low birth weight
- Premature birth
- Multiple births
- Conditions that affect nutrient absorption
- Food insecurity
WIC provides a variety of food and nutrition services, including:
- Food vouchers for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products
- Breastfeeding support
- Nutrition education
- Referrals to other health and social services
In some states, WIC also provides Nutramigen and other hypoallergenic formulas to infants with milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance. To determine if Nutramigen is covered by WIC in your state, contact your local WIC agency.
.
## Does WIC Cover Fortimen?
No, WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) does not cover any specialized formulas like Fortimen.
### Eligible WIC Formula Brands:
- Abbott Nutrition – Similac
- Borden, Inc. – Borden
- Mead Johnson Nutrition – Enfamil
- Nestlé Nutrition – Gerber
- Perrigo Nutritionals – Perrigo
### Special Formula Coverage:
Special formulas are only covered by WIC if:
1. They are medically necessary and prescribed by a healthcare professional.
2. The participant provides documentation of the medical condition requiring the formula.
3. The formula is approved by the state or local WIC agency.
Fortimen is a specialized formula designed for individuals with specific medical conditions that require additional nutrients. Since it is not a standard infant formula, it is not covered by WIC unless it meets the criteria mentioned above.
**Note:** WIC coverage may vary by state or locality, so it’s always best to contact your local WIC office for the most up-to-date information.
Alternative WIC-Approved Nutramigen Formulas
Unfortunately, WIC does not cover Nutramigen formula. However, there are several WIC-approved formulas that are comparable to Nutramigen and can provide similar benefits for babies with allergies or sensitivities.
- Similac Alimentum is a hypoallergenic formula that is similar to Nutramigen in terms of its protein source and nutritional content.
- Enfamil Nutramigen is a hypoallergenic formula that is specifically designed for babies with a cow’s milk allergy.
- Gerber Good Start SoothePro is a partially hydrolyzed formula that is gentle on the stomach and can help to reduce gas and colic.
- Nestlé PurAmino is an amino acid-based formula that is completely hypoallergenic and is suitable for babies with severe allergies.
Here is a table summarizing the key features of each of these WIC-approved formulas:
| Formula | Protein Source | Type | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Similac Alimentum | Extensively hydrolyzed casein | Hypoallergenic | Babies with cow’s milk allergy |
| Enfamil Nutramigen | 100% hydrolyzed whey protein | Hypoallergenic | Babies with cow’s milk allergy |
| Gerber Good Start SoothePro | Partially hydrolyzed whey protein | Gentle on stomach | Babies with gas and colic |
| Nestlé PurAmino | Amino acids | Completely hypoallergenic | Babies with severe allergies |
If you are unsure which WIC-approved formula is right for your baby, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can help you choose a formula that meets your baby’s individual needs.
That’s all the info I’ve got on whether WIC covers Nutramigen for now, folks! WIC policies can change over time, so be sure to check with your local WIC office for the most up-to-date information. If you have any other WIC-related questions, feel free to reach out to me. I’m always happy to help. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you’ll visit again soon!