Kentucky Rep. focusing on diaper access for families

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — State Representative Vanessa Grossl is intensifying her efforts to improve access to diapers for Kentucky families. She says many parents struggle to afford them — a difficulty that affects childcare enrollment and even workplace attendance.

Grossl recently volunteered at a diaper pantry event and held a roundtable with childcare and social services leaders. She plans to file legislation next session aimed at making diapers more affordable, and she will convene another draft-focused roundtable later this month.

Why this matters
National research finds one in two U.S. families sometimes can’t afford diapers, and Kentucky currently has just one member of the National Diaper Bank Network, according to Grossl’s office.

Here’s how other states and federal efforts are addressing diaper access:

• The End Diaper Need Act of 2025, introduced in Congress, would allocate funding through the Social Services Block Grant to support diaper banks, provide supplies, and ease the burden of diaper costs.

• In Tennessee, a recent Medicaid amendment approved by federal regulators now allows families in TennCare to receive 100 diapers per month for children under age two, making Tennessee among the first states to formally cover diapers.In Connecticut, a proposed bill would allow Medicaid coverage for diapers when deemed medically necessary, such as for children with chronic conditions or persistent diaper rash.

• In Connecticut, a proposed bill would allow Medicaid coverage for diapers when deemed medically necessary, such as for children with chronic conditions or persistent diaper rash.

Grossl says she will use these examples to shape Kentucky’s policy — whether through tax relief, Medicaid support, or a stronger diaper bank network across the state.