Orlando Harmon
Breast pumps can be expensive, so it's important to know what your insurance covers. The Affordable Care Act requires most health insurance plans to cover breastfeeding services and supplies, which means you could receive a breast pump at no cost to you. However, some plans may only partially cover the cost, and others may require a small upgrade or co-pay fee. It's also worth noting that some insurance plans only cover certain types of breast pumps, such as electric or wearable pumps, while others may not cover breast pumps at all. To find out what your insurance covers, you can contact your insurance provider or visit their website to provide your insurance information and verify your coverage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost covered by insurance | Yes, under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover breastfeeding services and supplies. Some plans cover the full cost, while others may require a small upgrade fee. |
| Types of pumps covered | Electric, wearable, manual, hospital-grade, hands-free. |
| Process | Provide insurance information, verify coverage, select pump, receive pump. |
| Shipping | Free shipping, delivery times vary by location. |
| Warranty | Manufacturer's warranty ranging from 1-3 years. |
| Additional benefits | Milk storage bags, lactation counselling, compression socks, maternity belts, blood pressure monitors, replacement parts. |
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What You'll Learn
Breast pump affordability under the Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, came into effect on March 23, 2010. Under the ACA, health insurance plans are required to cover the cost of breastfeeding equipment, counselling, and other support services for pregnant and nursing women. This includes breast pumps, which can be rented or purchased new.
While most insurance companies follow the requirements of the ACA, there are some that do not. These are typically self-funded health insurance plans or grandfathered policies. It is important to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage and any guidelines or restrictions that may apply.
The type of breast pump covered by insurance may vary. Some plans may cover manual or electric breast pumps, while others may offer hospital-grade, hands-free, or wearable options. In some cases, insurance plans will follow the recommendations of your doctor to ensure that you receive the most appropriate type of breast pump for your needs.
In addition to the cost of the breast pump itself, insurance plans may also cover accessories such as milk storage bags and other breastfeeding supplies. Lactation counselling and support services may also be included in your coverage, providing assistance with challenges such as latching difficulties, pain, or low milk production.
Overall, the Affordable Care Act has made breast pumps and other breastfeeding resources more accessible and affordable for many individuals by requiring health insurance plans to provide coverage for these essential items and services.
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Insurance paperwork and customer support
The process of obtaining a breast pump through insurance involves several steps, and the specific steps may vary depending on your insurance provider and location. Here is a general guide on the insurance paperwork and customer support process:
Insurance Paperwork:
- Provide Insurance Information: To initiate the process, you will need to provide your insurance details. This typically includes sharing information about your health insurance provider and your specific plan. You can do this by visiting the website of the company offering breast pumps through insurance or by contacting their customer support team.
- Verify Coverage and Submit Paperwork: Once you have provided your insurance information, the company will verify your coverage. They will check if your insurance plan covers the cost of a breast pump and any associated accessories. This step may involve submitting necessary paperwork to your insurance company on your behalf.
- Select an Eligible Pump: After verifying your coverage, you will be able to choose a breast pump that is covered by your insurance plan. Different insurance plans may have different options available, so it is important to review the details of your specific plan.
- Complete any Necessary Forms: In some cases, you may need to fill out additional forms or provide further documentation to finalize your request. This could include a prescription from your physician or information about your baby's due date or delivery date.
Customer Support:
- Guidance and Troubleshooting: Many companies that offer breast pumps through insurance also provide customer support services. This can include guidance on choosing the right pump for your needs, troubleshooting any issues that may arise, and answering any questions you have throughout the process.
- Delivery and Shipping: Once your insurance is verified, and your pump is selected, the company will typically ship your chosen breast pump directly to your door. They will provide information about delivery times and shipping estimates based on your location.
- Warranty and Replacement Parts: Most breast pumps come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers the pump and its parts for a specified period. The customer support team can assist you with any warranty claims, replacement parts, or other related inquiries.
- Ongoing Support: Some companies also offer ongoing customer support even after you have received your breast pump. This may include assistance with insurance-related inquiries, such as understanding reimbursement schedules and upgrade fees, as well as providing resources for breastfeeding support and education.
It is important to remember that the specific process and level of customer support may vary depending on the company and your insurance provider. Always review the information provided by your insurance company and the breast pump supplier to understand the exact steps and support available to you.
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Types of breast pumps covered by insurance
The cost of a breast pump may be covered by insurance under the Affordable Care Act. However, the type of breast pump covered by insurance depends on the insurance provider and the specific plan.
Some insurance plans, like UnitedHealthcare, offer coverage for the purchase of a personal-use, double-electric breast pump at no cost. These are the most common pumps and they closely simulate the action of a breastfeeding infant. They are available as either a double electric breast pump or a single electric model. The double electric models support expression from both breasts at once, while the single electric model only allows milk expression from one breast at a time. Electric breast pumps are typically the most powerful and need to be plugged into a wall outlet. Similar to electric breast pumps in functionality, battery-operated breast pumps offer notable portability and are often considered hands-free.
Some insurance plans may also cover hospital-grade breast pumps, which are designed for multiple users and are used by mothers of NICU babies or when medical issues hinder regular breastfeeding. For instance, Aeroflow Breastpumps offers the Medela Symphony, a hospital-grade pump available for rent when covered by insurance and requiring a prescription.
There are also hands-free breast pumps covered by insurance, such as the Willow Go, which is cord-free and wearable, and the Elvie Stride, which can be set up for single or double pumping while remaining discreet under clothing. Other hands-free options covered by insurance include the Zomee Fit, Ardo Melia, Motif Aura Glow, Lansinoh Discreet Duo, and Unimom Zomee Z2 with Shabbat Mode.
It is important to note that not all insurance plans cover the full cost of a breast pump, and some may require a small co-pay or upgrade fee. To determine the specific coverage provided by your insurance, it is recommended to fill out an insurance eligibility form or refer to the benefits section of your member account.
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Lactation counselling and support
Breastfeeding is crucial for the health, growth, and development of babies and has benefits for mothers as well. However, it can be challenging for mothers, and they may need support and reassurance. Lactation consultants are trained to work with infants and their parents to address any feeding challenges. They can help with issues like nipple pain, latching difficulties, and low milk supply. They can also assist in managing lactation challenges related to pumping. Lactation consultants must pass the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) exam to earn the credential of International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
Lactation counselling is a service offered by certified health professionals who focus on supporting breastfeeding or chestfeeding. The goal is to provide guidance, education, and encouragement to parents and caregivers to help them reach their breastfeeding goals. Lactation counselling can be covered by insurance, such as New York State Medicaid, which provides coverage for individual lactation counselling for up to 12 months following pregnancy. Medicaid also covers the cost of breastfeeding group classes, both prenatally and postpartum. To find a lactation counselling provider, individuals can reach out to their healthcare provider, local breastfeeding coalitions, or community lactation support organizations.
In addition to lactation consultants and counselling services, there are other resources available to support breastfeeding mothers. Some facilities have established breast milk banks, where breast milk from healthy donor women is collected, pasteurized, and stored for mothers who cannot breastfeed due to health problems. The WIC Program provides support for breastfeeding through trained staff, peer counsellors, assessments, education, and a breast pump program. Home visiting programs and virtual consultations with lactation consultants are also available in some areas.
It is important to note that the availability and coverage of lactation counselling and support may vary depending on location and insurance plan. Individuals should refer to their specific insurance plan or contact their healthcare provider for more information about their coverage options. Additionally, a prescription from a physician is typically required to obtain a breast pump through insurance.
Overall, lactation counselling and support play a vital role in helping mothers navigate the challenges of breastfeeding and ensuring the health and well-being of both mothers and their infants. By seeking guidance from lactation consultants and utilizing available resources, mothers can achieve their breastfeeding goals and provide their babies with the best possible start in life.
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Milk storage bags and techniques
Breast pumps are covered by insurance for new mothers, including those who have legally adopted an infant and intend to breastfeed. This is true for TRICARE insurance, which covers breast pumps, breast pump supplies, and breastfeeding counselling at no cost. The coverage includes one breast pump kit per birth event, standard power adapters, tubing, tubing adapters, and nipple shields.
Now, regarding milk storage bags and techniques, it appears that insurance coverage varies depending on the insurance provider. Some individuals have reported that their insurance covers milk storage bags, while others have stated that theirs does not. Therefore, it is essential to check with your specific insurance provider to confirm if milk storage bags are included in your coverage.
Milk storage bags are a convenient way to store and freeze breast milk. They are designed to be pre-sterilized and disposable. When it's time to feed your baby, you can thaw the milk by placing the sealed bag in the refrigerator or in warm tap water, and then pour the milk into a bottle.
- Store your breast milk by pumping for 10 minutes following your first morning nursing session for the first few days. Once you are comfortable, choose a nursing session to replace and pump for 15-20 minutes before your baby is likely to be hungry.
- If you plan to return to work, gradually increase the number of feedings where you pump and bottle-feed instead of breastfeeding. This will help your baby get used to bottle feeding.
- Milk storage bags can be requested and received each month at no cost through certain programs, such as the Milk Moms' Milk Storage Bag Resupply Program.
Remember, the availability of milk storage bags through insurance may differ, so it is always best to verify with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, breast pumps are free under insurance. The Affordable Care Act requires most health insurance plans to cover breastfeeding services and supplies.
The process of getting a breast pump through insurance involves providing your insurance information, verifying your coverage, and selecting a pump that is covered by your insurance. Some companies offer to take care of the paperwork for you.
Some of the best insurance-covered breast pumps on the market include the Willow Go, Elvie Stride, Spectra S2, S9, and S1, and the Unimom Zomee Z2 with Shabbat Mode.
In addition to breast pumps, insurance plans may also cover milk storage bags, compression socks, maternity belts, blood pressure monitors, and replacement parts. Lactation counseling and support are also often covered by insurance plans.
