Insurance breast pump coverage

mattandlora

After wasting a lot of time, I finally found a relatively quick way to get an insurance-covered breast pump.

1. Go to the Medela website
2. Find the link for insurance coverage
3. Select your insurance plan
4. Medela gives you a list of types of pumps covered by your insurance
5. Click the one you want
6. Medela gives you a list of stores which carry that type
7. Go to the store website and order one. Most go straight to your doctor for a prescription (if needed), then to your insurance to purchase. Then they ship it to you.

As an FYI - my particular insurance covers the pump, but none of the accessories (bag, bottles, cooler, etc). Entire accessory kits are available on Amazon. Right now, one of the supply companies covered by my insurance is offering it for cheaper. Just shop around!

niknak1208

I did this with my daughter in 2012.  I didn't have to order one or anything. The lactation specialist at the hospital where I delivered asked me if I needed a pump.. took my insurance information and handled it for me. I had a brand new pump in the box before I even left the hospital.    My insurance at the time only covered the basic medela pump for free.. I had to pay $104 for the pump in style.. but still that's a pretty significant discount so that's what we did! 

ewenner

Thanks for posting this!  I didn't have any idea that insurance would assist with a breast pump!  I just checked my coverage, and if I'm reading it correctly, "breastfeeding supplies" are listed in my policy under preventive care, which means my (astronomically high) deductible won't even apply.  I think I will call them up tomorrow to get more details.  Great info - thanks again for sharing!

topaz7777

I called my insurance, they only have 3 distributors that they will cover.  They helped me look them up by website and told me my choices.  I can have one of the medela pumps, but it doesn't come with any of the accessories or anything.  I can order it a month prior to my due date.  I'd advise calling the number on the back of your insurance card to see which pumps they cover.

mattandlora

@topaz7777 - I did that first, and they gave me a list of suppliers but said it wasn't a complete list. Like you, my insurance will cover a pump, no accessories. I was going to need to replaces accessories from DS anyway. Since some of the medical device companies covered by my insurance were running specials on accessories, it was actually cheaper to get a new pump with a reduced price accessory kit than to just by an accessory kit.

jerseygirl227

mattandlora said:

@topaz7777 - I did that first, and they gave me a list of suppliers but said it wasn't a complete list. Like you, my insurance will cover a pump, no accessories. I was going to need to replaces accessories from DS anyway. Since some of the medical device companies covered by my insurance were running specials on accessories, it was actually cheaper to get a new pump with a reduced price accessory kit than to just by an accessory kit.

That's good to know.  My insurance covers it, but I will definitely look at all the options.

mattandlora

I *hate* my typo of "by" instead of "buy" in my above post. It will drive me crazy for a very long time.

jerseygirl227

It looks like, according to the site, my insurance will cover the freestyle.  It appears to include some accessories, but I'll double check on that.  I plan to register for some accessories if they aren't included.