Free Breast Pump

kelnoelle

I've heard that insurance typically covers the cost of a breast pump.  Has anyone gone through the process of doing this yet, and if so, how does it work?  Do they offer nicer pumps, or are they the cheaper ones that might not be as good?  I'm still not sure if I'll be going back to work or not after baby, but I want to be prepared.  Thanks ladies!

kstirton

my insurance covers the full cost of one. they give you a couple lists of providers and you pick out which one you want and they mail it to you. They are nice - just can't be hospital grade. So the nice double electric name brand pumps are all available. they also have a few vendors in the area they'll give you the option to pick up. However for me, I can't register until 30 days to my due date.

sweetbabyrahe

I get the sense that all insurances are a little different. I ordered mine recently and it is a double electric Ameda and I get 150 bags every 90 days

kstirton

I'm sure they all differ a little bit - best way to find out is to call your insurance company and let them know your interested I knowing the coverage with breast pumps. Good luck!

mb314

 

Call your insurance. What they cover varies drastically.   My insurance, which is generally pretty good, only covers a pump if the baby is in NICU and I can't breastfeed him.  It sucks, but I still have the Medela Pump in Style I used with DS1, so I don't really need one. 

huntress17

My insurance covers an electric pump but I can't order until 30 days before my due date as well.

As pp say. Call your insurance

crizz13

Breast pumps have been talked about quite a bit on this board. Check out these threads for a lot of information.

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12416094/insurance-covered-new-breast-pump

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12398412/breast-pump

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12382625/breast-pump

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12399096/breast-pump-breast-feeding-supplies

Deardra77

mb314 said:

 

Call your insurance. What they cover varies drastically.   My insurance, which is generally pretty good, only covers a pump if the baby is in NICU and I can't breastfeed him.  It sucks, but I still have the Medela Pump in Style I used with DS1, so I don't really need one. 

It could be worthwhile on checking what they are doing currently. My son is 17 months, they covered a hospital grade for a few months as he was a NICU baby but as to one I got to keep they only covered a single side manual pump so really no use. Then for this baby I've come to find out that they will cover a double electric pump with no issues at all! Apparently what they cover changed due to the affordable care act and it came into place only March of this year. So I was chuffed as was expecting to have to pay out of pocket for a new one. So check again, they may not have covered with your other child but may now. I should add my insurance coverage didn't change between pregnancies either.

belmont1785

My insurance company told me that since Obamacare, insurance has to provide you with a breast pump...not sure since I didn't read up on it or anything.

Each insurance is different though. Like my insurance will not send you the pump until you have delivered, they will two-day ship you one. The one they offer is a really nice Medela one though.

wallygirl

Mine only covers a manual or the price equivalent.

wallygirl

I did a really nice medela with DD for free from my insurance but only because she was a NICU baby.

rox825

My insurance covers 100% but not until you're within 30 days of your due date. They do offer multiple styles through 3 different medical supply companies so the selection of double electric pumps is good, but like PPs have said all plans cover different ones and some only cover manual so you have to call to find out.

jac409

I just got mine in the mail today. It is a Medela In Style, double electric pump. My insurance company gave me a list of a few different providers to call. I checked what each one offered and went with the best option. Just call and see what the process is with your insurance company. They are all a little different.

runningmama14

Mine covers whatever I want up to $500 from a durable medical supply carrier.

montella1064

Mine covers the Medela Pump in Style but I can't order it until the day the baby is born.

kjmommy1214

Mine covers 80% of any pump (including hospital grade) as long as I have a rx from my doctor. It also has to come from a medical supply place.

erinwithtwins

Call your insurance. I called today and there were 3 different companies. One didn't have Medela one had some back ordered and one had what I wanted. Even though they don't ship til you are 30 days out they said it can take up to 10 days to process paperwork and you can do that way ahead so you get you pump shipped right at the 30 day mark. They also said I could have my dr put my mandatory C Section date as my due date because I'm having twins.

jleitao1

My insurance is also making me wait until 30 days before my due date. It has great pumps, but then there is also the option to upgrade (for a fraction of the price) to the even better models if you're someone who is planning to pump often.

jaminjeff

belmont1785 said:

My insurance company told me that since Obamacare, insurance has to provide you with a breast pump...not sure since I didn't read up on it or anything.

Each insurance is different though. Like my insurance will not send you the pump until you have delivered, they will two-day ship you one. The one they offer is a really nice Medela one though.

Unless they're grandfathered in...like my insurance company.  Whomp whomp.  But I still have my Medela PISA from DS1, so I just bought all new pieces and parts for it and will plan on using that.

mb314

@deardra77 I called just a few weeks ago, and was told I was not covered for a pump unless the baby is in NICU.  I was pretty surprised, because I thought they had to cover one.  I guess they're grandfathered.  I will probably call again a few weeks before the baby is due just to see if anything has changed.