Infant Formula Shortage May 2022
This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
The state’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services is asking families receiving WIC benefits who are having trouble finding formula to contact their local WIC office by calling the number on the back of their WIC card or by emailing wicinfo.dph@massmail.state.ma.us.
Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Childbirth Center announces the launch of a new donor milk program, in partnership with Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast, a nonprofit community milk bank operating under the guidelines of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). Families and health care providers seeking more information on receiving or donating milk can check the milk bank’s website. More information on the Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s new donor milk program can be read here.
Federal Actions
President Biden Announces Additional Steps to Address Infant Formula Shortage
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/12/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-additional-steps-to-address-infant-formula-shortage/
State Actions
Information on the Infant Formula Shortage from State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa
https://www.northamptonsurvival.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/A-Message-from-Lindsay-Sabadosa-Regarding-Infant-Formula-Shortage.pdf
What MA is doing to help families during the national shortage of infant formula
https://www.mass.gov/news/what-ma-is-doing-to-help-families-during-the-national-shortage-of-infant-formula
DOI to Insurers: Cease Prior Authorizations for Prescription Baby Formula
DOI issued Bulletin 2022-05 today, telling insurance companies to relax prior authorizations for infant formula due to the temporary shortages of the product related to supply-chain disruptions. DOI wrote, “Patients in need of prescription medical infant formulas are put at risk by delays in obtaining formula, including waiting for prior authorization approval.” DOI expects the insurers to forego prior authorization reviews on formulas for the next 90 days.
Resource from WIC: American Academy of Pediatrics – MA Chapter
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Formula-Resources-to-Address-the-Infant-Formula-Shortage.html?soid=1101507116965&aid=4cgja-fs0A4
Please find additional information in the linked PDFs below, available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian-Creole.