When Supplemental Formula Is Essential: Overcoming Barriers to Hypoallergenic Formula Access for Patients With Food Allergies

Abstract

For food-allergic patients, hypoallergenic formulas (HFs) are medically indicated, often a primary component of the diet and essential for patient safety, health, nutrition, and overall well-being. Yet, food allergy is not included among the conditions mandated for coverage under federal health programs and private health insurance. The 2022 infant formula crisis has affected many North American families and has particularly influenced patients with food allergies who rely on a limited number of safe HF brands to safely meet their nutritional needs for growth and development. The current formula shortage further highlights the longstanding difficulties faced by families with food allergies in accessing HF. Within this context, this article focuses on chronic barriers faced by patients with food allergies in accessing HF and proposes potential solutions. Legislation is desperately needed to address HF affordability through changes in insurance reimbursement and disparities in access to HF among individuals with food allergy.

Keywords: Amino acid formula; Cow’s milk; Elemental diet; Eosinophilic esophagitis; Extensively hydrolyzed; Food allergy; Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome; Hypoallergenic; Infant formula.