Girls: don't forget to ask your insurance about breastpump coverage

CapitolBaby

I just called my insurance to ask them if they cover breatpumps, and they DO cover 90% of the cost!  They gave me the # to a mail-order medical equipment place where I went ahead and put my order in.  The order and insurance claim will be processed as soon as next week!

We have insurance for a reason - use it!!!  Don't let those insurance companies keep $ that could be yours!

S2BMrsO

What kind of insurance do you have?

CapitolBaby

S2BMrsO:

What kind of insurance do you have?

Blue Cross Blue Shield.  The Medical Equipment place that will be processing the order and claim for me is called Edgepark Medical Supply.  Their phone is: 800-321-0591.  They can also answer any Qs you have.

S2BMrsO

Wow I'm curious if my PPO will cover it... is it written anywhere for you or did you absolutely have to call?

CapitolBaby

S2BMrsO:

Wow I'm curious if my PPO will cover it... is it written anywhere for you or did you absolutely have to call?

I'm also on a PPO - you should definitely check.  I didn't look it up in writing anywhere, I just called Member Services directly.  I spoke to the claims department, who were very helpful, and told me the exact process.  The general customer service department wasn't as much of a help as the Claims dept.

PurpleK26

Awesome! We have BCBS through Dh's work! I'm definitely calling to see what they cover for us!

Anna&Matt

I have bcbs too - they're covering 100% of the cost of mine if I order through their person. I need to call them back and get the name of the person I have to call (not sure if it's different if you live in different states).

hjf2B

I have BC/BS through DH's work as well, but I feel like I called a few months ago and they told me they don't cover it.  Maybe because we're on a state plan?  I don't know.  I'm definitely going to call again and talk to the Claims Dept though!  Thanks for the tip!

CapitolBaby

Breastbumps fall under "Durable Medical Equipment" so if you have any type of medical equipment benefit, you're covered.

TheWerners

Wow this is an AWESOME idea!  Were you able to get a pump you were wanting?  Our insurance coverage is pretty spectacular so I wouldn't doubt there would be some sort of discount even if it was small.  I really want a Medela, did your insurance cover a name brand?

Emily88

I also have BCBS, and I just happened to call about this an hour or two ago. They only cover manual pumps for me, and at 80%...with a $250 deductible. =/ What's the point?

CapitolBaby

TheWerners:

Wow this is an AWESOME idea!  Were you able to get a pump you were wanting?  Our insurance coverage is pretty spectacular so I wouldn't doubt there would be some sort of discount even if it was small.  I really want a Medela, did your insurance cover a name brand?

Yeah, I'm getting the exact one I wanted: A Medela Pump in Style with Shoulder Bag.  The Medical Equip. place (based out of FL) sells it for $350 (more than BRU), but since I'm covered at 90%, I only have to pay $35, and my insurance has to pay the rest! 

hjf2B

I just called and my BC/BS insurance doesn't cover it.  They said breast pumps aren't covered because they aren't "medically necessary."  Whatever to that!

beckysuejune07

I also have BCBS and called the other day to inquire. Under my policy, they dont cover it unless it is out of medical necessity- for example, I can leave the hospital but my LO must stay. I think all coverage is different. Some friends coverage covers their birthing classes too, mine doesnt.

S2BMrsO

I have the "durable medical equipment" coverage @ 90%... but after the deductible is met. My deductible probably won't be met until after the baby is born... not sure how worth it this will be since I probably want to have a breast pump on hand prior to the birth, right??

Ugh bummer. So looks like I'll be spending a nice wad of cash on a breast pump.

CapitolBaby

Regarding the "medically necessary" - I heard that as long as your doctor writes a prescription for it, they can't argue with your doctor, and they would have to deem it as medically necessary.  They're probably just trying to keep from paying it by telling you that, but with a prescription from your doctor, they can't really ask any questions. 

dt5570

I don't know how common it is for them to cover it-you may have lucked out! Neither of our insurances covered it for our first child.

childof007

CapitolBaby:

Breastbumps fall under "Durable Medical Equipment" so if you have any type of medical equipment benefit, you're covered.

I have BCBS and my durable medical equipment coverage is covered in full BUT after speaking with the representative on the phone, it's only covered for RENTALs from an in network provider and the baby has to still be in the hospital after I am discharged. So looks like it doesn't work out for me unless my baby is sick and hospitalized after she's born.

Dani11

CapitolBaby:

I just called my insurance to ask them if they cover breatpumps, and they DO cover 90% of the cost!  They gave me the # to a mail-order medical equipment place where I went ahead and put my order in.  The order and insurance claim will be processed as soon as next week!

We have insurance for a reason - use it!!!  Don't let those insurance companies keep $ that could be yours!

Do you get to keep it, or is it just a rental?

Anna&Matt

hjf2B:

I just called and my BC/BS insurance doesn't cover it.  They said breast pumps aren't covered because they aren't "medically necessary."  Whatever to that!

If you get your OB to write a note saying it is medically necessary  that might change things. I know mine said he had no problem doing that.

Dani11

I just called my BCBS company. They cover it 100% as long as I have my my deductible for the year (Which is only $250). So I get a free pump! Thank you soooo much. I never would have thought to ask, I was just going to pay $300 for a pump! I would kiss you if  I could

x55centsxshortx

Good to know thanks!!!