End Diaper Need Act of 2025
The End Diaper Need Act of 2025 would create a targeted funding stream within the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) program to reduce diaper need and related health risks for low-income families, infants and toddlers, medically complex children, and adults or adults with disabilities who rely on adult incontinence products. From 2026 through 2029, it would increase SSBG funding specifically for diapering needs and adult incontinence supplies, and authorize an additional $200 million per year dedicated to this purpose. The bill also establishes a national nonprofit entity to provide technical assistance and requires states to distribute funds to eligible organizations (including diaper banks and other nonprofits) to purchase and distribute diapers and appropriate supplies, while integrating these activities with other social services and health programs. It includes reporting, evaluation, and guidance provisions, and expands tax-advantaged accounts to cover medically necessary diapers and diapering supplies. In short, the bill aims to expand and target federal support for diaper and adult incontinence needs, improve access and distribution, evaluate effectiveness, and broaden how these costs can be paid through tax-advantaged accounts.
Key Points
- 1Targeted funding increase through SSBG: $1.9 billion per fiscal year for 2026–2029 to be used for diapering and related supports, plus an additional $200 million per year specifically for this program.
- 2Eligible recipients and activities: States, tribal entities, diaper banks, and other eligible nonprofits would distribute diapers, diapering supplies, and adult incontinence materials to low-income families, infants/toddlers, medically complex children, and adults with disabilities; funds may also support outreach and coordination with other programs.
- 3National entity for support: A congressionally described national nonprofit (501(c)(3)) with multi-state experience would receive up to 2% of the targeted funds to provide technical assistance, training, and cross-system collaboration, and to help with evaluation and administration.
- 4State and subgrantee use of funds: Funds must supplement, not supplant, existing state funds; States may use up to 5% of the targeted funds for administration; eligible entities can fund diaper purchases/distributions, adult incontinence supplies, and integrate these activities with other programs (e.g., TANF, CHIP/Medicaid, WIC, early home visiting, child care development, IDEA Part C).
- 5Reporting and evaluation: States must report annually (for 2026–2029) on outreach, quantities distributed, types of diapers/supplies, numbers served, and distribution methods with geographic details. A federal evaluation is due within 2 years of enactment, with an update at 3 years and a final reporting within 120 days after the update.
- 6Guidance and implementation: The Secretary of Health and Human Services would issue implementation guidance within 180 days, covering eligible entities, allowable uses, and reporting requirements.
- 7Exemption from sequestration: The program would be exempt from sequestration reductions under current law.
- 8Tax-advantaged accounts expanded: The bill adds medically necessary diapers and diapering supplies to the list of qualified expenses in Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Archer Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs), Health Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs), and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs); it defines what constitutes a medically necessary diaper and diapering supplies and clarifies effective dates (distributions from accounts apply after December 31, 2025; reimbursements apply to expenses incurred after that date).