To provide increased formula options for our WIC families, we are announcing a fifth expansion of powder formula options.
Michigan WIC will be adding imported formulas to the APL file, some of which may be available for purchase at Meijer, Kroger, Walmart and online (note:online formulas may be available for re-sale by our authorized WIC vendors).
The expanded formula choice Approved Product Listing (APL) file will be available for Vendor download next week, Tuesday, July 5. As with the previous expansions, successful redemption of these new formulas will rely on you having downloaded the latest APL.
For an overview of the WIC-eligible imported formulas, please refer to these Temporary Choices images. A complete listing of ALL formula expansion options is included as an attachment to this email. Please take note of each chart’s title/header for effective dates and options by formula type.
We would ask that you please replace any chart(s) you have displayed near store shelves with this latest updated version of expanded formula choices. This will help your customers with their infant formula needs. Our website will be updated to reflect these changes, and WIC participants will receive a phone notification regarding these changes on Thursday, July 7, 2022.
Helpful Tips:
- Updating the APL: To ensure successful redemption of these expanded options, it is important that all Vendors download the latest Approved Product Listing (APL) file. The expanded formula choices APL file will be available for download, effective next week Tuesday, July 5, 2022. If you have an integrated system, this may be done by your point-of-sale (POS) provider. If you have a stand-beside POS device, you may do a manual update by following these instructions.
- Troubleshooting: The addition of imported formulas marks another change for your store and for our WIC families. We ask that your store staff scan any formula brought to the register for a WIC purchase and let the point-of-sale device determine whether the customer has the correct benefits for the formula they brought to check out. If your point-of-sale shows an error, the customer will know it was an issue with benefits and not your store staff preventing them from purchasing the option they picked from the shelf. Then you may help in finding an appropriate formula.
If an item is listed as an alternative option for a WIC-approved formula and your point-of-sale continues to show an error, you may consider the following:
a. Check to make sure the UPC on the item matches the UPC listed in the attached expansion charts.
b. Complete a balance inquiry to make sure the WIC customer has benefits remaining to purchase the formula. The larger sizes require more than 1 can of remaining benefits. If the customer has only .5 cans left, they will be unable to redeem any cans.
c. Ensure your point-of-sale is properly updated with the recent APL.
As always, please contact the Michigan WIC office at (517) 335-8937 or mdhhs-wicvendor@michigan.gov with any questions, comments, or problems.
