Here is the info on the Ohio WIC costs associated with formula vs. bf. Didn't realize I still had it until I went into my reference archives looking for something else. Rachael Hamlet ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- From: [log in to unmask] Date: Sun, 1 Oct 1995 22:09:50 -0400 To: [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask] Subject: Update on Ohio Breastfeeding Cost savings for ear infections Many of you have seen the 1994 paper I wrote on cost savings for BF for ear infections in Ohio, using the data from Duncan and the average amount that Ohio medicaid pays out per ear infection. I re-did it using 1995 WIC statistics, leaving the costs the same. Here it is in its entirety. This same information could be done state by state to send in to your legislators. This might get some attention. Here goes.... Martha Brower RD LD IBCLC --------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- ------------------------------------------- 1995 BREASTFEEDING FACTS FOR OHIO compliments of the Ohio Lactation Consultant Association 1224 Fifth Street Findley, Ohio 45840 (419) 427-0656 Breastfeeding improves infant health. Ear infections (a common childhood illness) account for a significant number of health care visits annually. In a large recent US study (Duncan, et al, "Exclusive Breast-feeding for at Least 4 Months Protects Against Otitis Media". Pediatrics. 91:867-872. 1993.), it was found that exclusive breastfeeding of 4 or more months protected infants from single and recurrent episodes of otitis media (ear infections). Since a large percentage of WIC participants use Ohio Medicaid for health care, June 1995 WIC statistics were used. The average number of ear infection episodes for the first 12 months of life for a baby exclusively breastfed for 4 or more months (no supplements or foods other than human milk): 1.52 (Duncan) The average number of ear infection episodes for the first 12 months of life for a baby receiving NO human milk (exclusively fed artificial formula): 2.13 (Duncan) The difference between these two groups of babies is .61 ear infection episodes per baby. At an approximate cost of $50 per ear infection (2 physician visits and medication--does not include the cost of time lost from employment), for each baby that is exclusively breastfed for 4 months, this would be a COST SAVINGS OF $30.50. Number of babies served by Ohio WIC in June 1995: 76,626 (data from WIC) Number of Ohio WIC babies receiving ANY breastfeedings: 10,240 (13%) (data from WIC) IF all of the partially breastfed WIC babies in the 10,240 were exclusively breastfed for 4 months, health care costs in Ohio for ear infections would be reduced $312,320. Increasing the WIC exclusive breastfeeding rate for the first 4 months of life to 25% of the June 1995 babies served would net health care savings of $548,273 for Ohio. Increasing the rate to 50%, would net a savings of $1,168,547 per year. Increasing the rate to 75% (the USA Year 2000 Goals) would net a savings of $1,752,820 annually. These figures are only for ear infections! Breastfeeding affects other health issues as well! Eliminating barriers to breastfeeding and mandating third party reimbursement for breastfeeding services and support would provide the cultural and professional support these mothers need to fully implement their breastfeeding decision. compiled 10/95 Martha Brower RD LD IBCLC with assistance of Ron Brower MS