MI-WIC Vendor Policy Manual
3-01 WIC Pharmacy Vendors

3.01 WIC Pharmacy Vendors

Effective Date: 07/01/2021

PURPOSE:

To clarify the differences between WIC-authorized full-line Vendors and pharmacy Vendors.

DEFINITIONS:

Full-line Vendor means a Vendor who is authorized to provide all WIC-approved foods in exchange for WIC benefits. Full-line Vendors may be grocers or grocers with on-site pharmacies.

Grocer means a full-line Vendor that does not have an on-site pharmacy.

Grocer with Pharmacy means a full-line Vendor that has a pharmacy on-site.

Infant formula means a food that meets the definition of an infant formula in section 201(z) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(z)) and that meets the requirements for an infant formula under section 412 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 350a) and the regulations at 21 CFR parts 106 and 107.

Pharmacy Vendor means a Vendor who is authorized to provide only WIC-approved formulas and nutritionals in exchange for WIC benefits. Pharmacy Vendors may be grocers with on-site pharmacies or stand-alone pharmacies.

Stand-alone Pharmacy means a pharmacy that is not connected to or contained within a grocery store.

WIC benefits means electronic benefits that can be used to purchase WIC-approved food items from authorized WIC Vendors using a WIC electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card.

WIC nutritionals means authorized medical foods that are specifically formulated to provide nutritional support for individuals with a qualifying condition.

POLICY:

1. Pharmacy Vendors must go through the same authorization process as full-line Vendors and are subject to all applicable WIC Program policies and sanctions as described in the State Plan of Program Operations, Federal Regulations, the WIC Pharmacy Vendor Contract, and the WIC Vendor Sanction Policy. (See Policy 2.01 Vendor Applications & Authorization and Exhibit 2.05B WIC Pharmacy Vendor Contract and 6.01A WIC Vendor Sanction Schedule.)
2. All WIC-authorized pharmacies must have an active Pharmacy License and be in good standing with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). (See Policy 2.02 Vendor Selection Criteria.)
3. WIC pharmacy Vendors, also known as ‘formula-only’ Vendors, are only authorized to transact WIC benefits for infant formula and WIC-approved nutritionals. They may not provide other WIC-approved foods to clients in exchange for WIC benefits.
   1. Pharmacy Vendors are required to source formula and nutritionals, as requested by clients or the Department, within two (2) business days.
   2. If there are issues with ordering or sourcing formula, Vendors must call the client’s local WIC agency or the Department for assistance.
   3. Pharmacy Vendors are required to split cases for WIC clients, as formula prescription quantities may not correspond with case quantities.
4. Pharmacy Vendors are placed into their own unique peer group for matters of reimbursement and cost containment. (See Policy 2.03 Vendor Peer Groups.)

References:

7 CFR Part 246.2

7 CFR Part 246.12 (f) (g) (h)

21 U.S. Code Chapter 9 – Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

Cross-References:

2.01 Vendor Applications & Authorization

2.02 Vendor Selection Criteria

2.03 Vendor Peer Groups

Exhibits:

2.05B WIC Pharmacy Vendor Contract

6.01A WIC Vendor Sanction Schedule