Free formula? Ask insurance:)

merrim

I only found out about this because a coworker happened to mention that she gets a Rx for formula and it's much cheaper.  I asked my pediatrician about getting a Rx when I stop breastfeeding and he said to call the insurance company and ask if they would cover it (even though we have no medical need for one).  I called today and it is covered by my health plan-I don't even need to make a copay-until our baby is one year old!  I can't believe how amazing that is (I actually feel really guilty to be able to receive this when so many people struggle...will have to do some extra good deeds/make donations)!  Hopefully this will help others find out the same-it can't hurt to try!

kiki-W

that is great. what plan do you have.. please say harvard pilgrim.

SoHopeful

what kind of formula do you use?

merrim

Sorry Network Blue on Blue Cross-give them a call though!

staycee

I'm with Kaiser and out here they are so pro-BF that they do not give out formula.  Wouldn't even give us any to take home from hospital when we were discharged at night.  Is wasn't like I had planned to not have my milk come in yet.   DH had to run to the store.

MrsPreK

We are on BCBS of MI and I called when DD was a few weeks old. they said they would reimburse us the difference between her formula and the cheapest formula out there (could be a different brand). Not worth it for us as I switched her to PC brand. But, might work for some others.

Worth checking into at least

kiki-W

i just called and Harvard pilgrim offers a RX for specialty formula. if baby has an allergy, needs soy or needs a special sensitive kind b/c of reflux. but not for just reg formula.

oh well.

katypresson

staycee:

I'm with Kaiser and out here they are so pro-BF that they do not give out formula.  Wouldn't even give us any to take home from hospital when we were discharged at night.  Is wasn't like I had planned to not have my milk come in yet.   DH had to run to the store.

That's awful!!! Our hospital sent us home with TONS of free formula, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, etc.  Even though I did BF the first 8 weeks.  You never know when you'll need those items with a newborn.

afg

I called and asked our insurance company a couple months ago and got a big fat no.  I have Medco