Nebraska DHHS launches eWIC benefits card

Posted By: Channel 8 Eyewitness News

8@klkntv.com

LINCOLN — The Nebraska Women, Infants & Children (WIC) public health nutrition program will begin offering families a new way to shop with WIC food benefits.

An electronic benefit transaction card will be phased in to replace paper checks between August and November 2018. Once implemented, 340 WIC authorized grocery stores and pharmacies in Nebraska will be able to accept the cards. During the transition, there may be a handful of stores that only take checks and will not continue to eWIC. Clients will be given a list of the stores in their area that take eWIC.

The electronic WIC (eWIC) card works similar to a debit card, except that the cardholder’s account contains specific foods instead of a dollar amount. At the beginning of every month, specific food benefits are automatically deposited into the family’s eWIC account, versus receiving separate checks for each family member. Every time a purchase of a WIC-approved food item is made, that item is subtracted from the family’s monthly balance. When families shop, benefits that aren’t used are available for the next trip to the grocery store, until the end of the month.

Moreover, the process of identifying correct foods and quantities at the register is automated through the scanner, and the purchase of WIC foods can be combined with other items at most stores. WIC purchases made at the retail stores are automatically submitted for payment, which is typically made within two days.

The pilot for eWIC ran from June 4 through July 31 of this year at East Central District Health Department in Columbus, which provides service at clinics in Columbus, Schuyler, Albion and Fullerton. Thirteen local pilot retailers were certified to accept eWIC cards. Approximately 600 families received an eWIC card during the pilot phase to purchase their food benefits.

A survey was designed to assess participant satisfaction with WIC services, including a before and after measure of eWIC.  Once the eWIC card is available statewide, WIC families will be asked about their satisfaction with the new system through a follow-up WIC customer survey.

In 2010, Congress amended provisions of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, including a new requirement for all WIC state agencies to implement EBT by October 1, 2020.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.