"The Missouri WIC program and the USDA, have discussed concerns regarding the high number of COVID-19 cases in the original rollout 2 area which is in the St. Louis, MO area of the state. In order to allow this area sufficient time to decrease the number of COVID-19 cases and to decrease the possible exposure of state personnel, contractors, local agency staff, and WIC participants to the virus, we have decided to move the implementation of this area to the end of the rollout schedule. A revised eWIC rollout map is attached. Please note that some rollout areas have been assigned a new rollout number and the dates on the map are the dates the local agencies are able to issue eWIC cards in each rollout area.
In preparation for the local agencies in rollout 1 area to begin issuing eWIC cards the week of July 6, we must begin completing Level 3 visits in mid-May. Missouri WIC program and CDP, Inc. staff have been in contact with stakeholders about initiating Level 3 visits at the retailer locations that have eWIC functionality installed. Below is the current schedule for Level 3 onsite visits for each rollout area. Please notify your authorized stores of the below schedule so that they are aware of the timeframe for their Level 3 visit.
I have attached the revised eWIC Rollout Map for the Missouri WIC program for your reference. (HERE)
May 18 – May 22 - Rollout 1
May 26 – May 29 - initial visits and revisits if needed
June 1 – 5 - Rollout 2
June 8 – 19 - initial visits and revisits if needed
June 15 – June 19 - Rollout 3
June 22 – July 3 - initial visits and revisits if needed
June 22 – June 26 - Rollout 4
June 29 – July 2 - initial visits and revisits if needed
July 6 – July 10 - Rollout 5
July 13 – July 24 – initial visits and revisits if needed
July 13 through July 29 – statewide revisits if needed
The required number of cash registers at authorized retailers to be eWIC authorized was provided during eWIC Retailer Training and is also available in WIC Retailer Agreement located in Appendix B of the eWIC Retailer Manual. The guidelines are outlined in paragraphs 10.34 and 10.35 (below). The eWIC Retailer Manual is available on the WIC website at https://health.mo.gov/living/families/wic/pdf/ewic-retailer-manual.pdf.
10.34 Meet the minimum lane coverage requirements when considered a superstore or supermarket (at least $2 million annually in food sales). At a minimum, terminals shall be installed for monthly WIC redemption threshold increments as follows: one (1) terminal for $0 to $11,000; two (2) terminals for $11,001 to $22,000; three (3) terminals for $22,001 to $33,000; and four (4) terminals for $33,001 and above. The monthly redemption levels used for the installation formula shall be the average redemptions based on a period of up to 12 months of prior redemption. 7 CFR § 246.12(z)(2)(i-ii).
10.35 Meet the minimum lane coverage requirements when not considered a superstore or supermarket. At a minimum, terminals shall be installed for monthly WIC redemption thresholds as follows: one (1) terminal for $0 to $8,000; two (2) terminals for $8,001 to $16,000; three (3) terminals for $16,001 to $24,000; and four (4) terminals for $24,001 and above. The monthly redemption levels used for the installation formula shall be the average redemptions based on a period of up to 12 months of prior redemption. 7 CFR § 246.12(z)(2)(i-ii).
Retailers that have not successfully completed the Level 3 certification process will receive a written notice dated July 31, 2020 providing notification that the retailer location must complete a Level 3 certification by August 31, 2020. Level 3 certification visits for those retailers can be scheduled between August 3 and August 27, 2020 to allow time for claim files to be submitted and processed. If a retailer does not successfully complete a Level 3 certification their WIC authorization will be terminated effective August 31, 2020.
The Missouri WIC program appreciates the service that you provide to our WIC families and to your communities. We apologize for the inconvenience of rescheduling the eWIC rollout schedule; however, it is critical that all stakeholders involved in this project are safe and healthy to successfully proceed with this statewide project. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns by calling 573-751-8322 or by email at Bridgett.Henderson@health.mo.gov."
Thank you!
Bridgett A. Henderson
WIC Retailer Manager
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Division of Community and Public Health
Section for Healthy Families and Youth
Bureau of WIC and Nutrition Services
P.O. Box 570, 930 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-0570
Phone: 573-751-8322
Fax: 573-526-1470
