Metabolic Formula

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) provides metabolic formula to individuals born with phenylketonuria (PKU) and homocystinuria. Beginning in January of 2008, a pilot program will be implemented to cover special formulas for newborns with any inborn error of metabolism identified through newborn screening.  Without these special formulas, individuals, especially infants and young children, may develop brain damage and mental retardation. Every year in Ohio, 12-15 babies are born with PKU and one to two babies are born with homocystinuria. It is recommended that individuals with these diseases remain on formula for their lifetime.

Babies born with these disorders are identified through Ohio’s Newborn Screening Program which tests a sample of newborns’ blood for these and other disorders. The families of babies with abnormal screening results are contacted to receive a confirmatory test. Those babies with confirmed disorders are referred to physicians and dietitians specializing in metabolic disorders and housed in children’s hospitals around the state.

The ODH orders the specialized formula, which is shipped directly to the patients' homes.  Formula is provided at no cost to the patient.  Funds to support the program come from a portion of the newborn screening fee, the Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps program and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.  The ODH provides formula to approximately 300 individuals in Ohio, at a cost of approximately $700,000 per year.

Requirements for participation in the program are listed in the Policies link, but include Ohio residency, application to third-party payment sources and being under the care of an approved Ohio metabolic center.

For more information about the 2008 pilot program, click the link to the left.

Mailing Address:
Ohio Department of Health
Metabolic Formula Program
246 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Telephone: (614) 466-0227
Fax: (614) 728-3616

E-mail: BCMH@odh.ohio.gov

Last Updated: 07/18/2008