Health Care Providers

Welcome to the Health Care Provider Page!

This site provides information for physicians, nurses, dietitians, and other health care providers. Partnerships with health care providers are critical to the success of the Missouri WIC program. You are a key partner in helping WIC participants make healthy choices.

USDA studies found that every dollar spent on WIC prenatal participants resulted in a greater likelihood of receiving prenatal care, fewer premature births, and savings in health care costs within the first 60 days after birth.

WIC encourages all new moms to breastfeed exclusively for six (6) months according to medical recommendations. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reaffirms its recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six (6) months of a baby's life, followed by breastfeeding in combination with the introduction of complementary foods until at least 12 months of age, and continuation of breastfeeding for as long as mutually desired by mother and baby.

WIC breastfeeding mothers also receive more supplemental foods. For mothers who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, WIC provides supplemental infant formula.

Benefits to Health Care Providers:

• Reduced health care costs
• Positive prenatal and birth outcomes
• Improved women’s, infant’s, and children’s health

WIC Provides:

• Breastfeeding education, counseling, and support
• Breast pumps for women who qualify
• Nutrition education and counseling that stresses the importance between nutrition and health
• Supplemental nutritious food and infant formula
• Immunization screening
• Referral to health care services and other services available within the community

Patient Eligibility Criteria for WIC Services

The Missouri WIC program provides services to eligible low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children until their 5th birthday. Fathers, grandparents, guardians, and foster parents may also apply for benefits for the children living in their households. Household income may be no more than 185% of the federal poverty income guidelines. Families that qualify for SNAP or TANF automatically qualify. Individuals who meet income and category guidelines will have a nutrition and health assessment during the certification process.

How Can Health Care Providers Help Patients Achieve Positive Health Outcomes?

• Make referrals to WIC routinely
• Tell your patients that WIC is a health and nutrition program
• Put a brochure in every new patient packet
• Mention WIC to everyone
• Encourage them to call their WIC local agency or call 1-800-TEL-LINK (1-800-835-5465)