Free Breast Pump (insurance)

whitneyj988 · January 2012

I heard that some insurance companies will cover a breast pump as long as a dr. will write a prescription for it so I called my insurance and they said they cover it in full. My Dr. said it would be no problem so it looks like I will have a Medela breast pump waiting at the hospital for me before I leave with DS.

Has anyone else checked if there insurance will cover a breast pump?

piggysk · January 2012

I received a free one from WIC, because I was returning to work after DD2.

mrs_j_may_08 · January 2012

That's awesome! I checked with mine and they do not cover it

DragonflyBelle · January 2012

I completely forgot that some insurances do this, so I am asking now. Thanks so much for the reminder! Yes

sweetdreams2000 · January 2012

Were you able to get the electric Medela, dual pump? I need to check into this. I was going to just pay for it with flexible spending, but free is better.

ninjabridemom · January 2012

piggysk:
I received a free one from WIC, because I was returning to work after DD2.

Please explain this! I'm eligible post-babes now that Jake isn't working (unless, obv, he has a job before then).

I will be checking with insurance for sure.

TeamHayes · January 2012

I called my insurance a few weeks ago about this and basically you can get a pump for free if it is a medical necessity BUT it will be the most basic model they have - no it will be a manual pump. No thanks.

TeamHayes · January 2012

I called my insurance a few weeks ago about this and basically you can get a pump for free if it is a medical necessity BUT it will be the most basic model they have - so it will be a manual pump. No thanks.

whitneyj988 · January 2012

Yes I get a double pump. Its the Medela instyle advanced one. one of the girls I work with just got hers and its really nice.

piggysk · January 2012

ninjabridemom:

piggysk:
I received a free one from WIC, because I was returning to work after DD2.

Please explain this! I'm eligible post-babes now that Jake isn't working (unless, obv, he has a job before then).

I will be checking with insurance for sure.

I was already receiving WIC and I talked to the lactation consultant there, because I was exclusively BF they offered me a pump so I could return to work. I got it about 2 weeks before I was supposed to go back. It is not a manual pump it is a duel electric pump and a nice one, it can run either on batteries or a wall plug, I dont remember the brand but when I get home I can check and see because i still have it.

ninjabridemom · January 2012

Oh wow! So you get to keep it -- it's not a rental?

That's amazing. Thank you so much, I honestly never would have thought to even look into it. Go breastfeeding!!

piggysk · January 2012

ninjabridemom:

Oh wow! So you get to keep it -- it's not a rental?

That's amazing. Thank you so much, I honestly never would have thought to even look into it. Go breastfeeding!!

Yea, you get to keep it. When I had DD1 which was almost 9 years ago, they gave me one too. If your spouse is not working now and you are prego with twins you may even qualify to start getting WIC now. My sister had to take leave early due to bedrest when she was pg with twins and she was able to get WIC to help out. They have changed the program a lot and you get a lot now.

nickilove · January 2012

I wrote out a super long post about this and the server hates me. Sad

Check with your insurance to see if you have durable medical equipment coverage. Then speak with your OB about writing your prescription. Find out what the process is with your insurance, mine provided a 10 page list of DME suppliers for me to see if any of them had what I was looking for.

I found Apria Healthcare is a preferred provider, and see that they cover the Hygeia pump I want. I spoke with my Dr and he has no problem saying it's a medical neccessity.

Check with your insurance before you purchase one or have it on your registry. The $200+ can go towards something else.

daniela64 · January 2012

I just called and checked and mine won't cover it.

erniebufflo · January 2012

Who did you call and speak to at your insurer? I'm wanting to call and find out the same thing, particularly since one of my girls will be having surgery right after birth and won't be able to nurse, a pump will be for sure medically necessary.

nickilove · January 2012

TeamHayes:
BUT it will be the most basic model they have - so it will be a manual pump. No thanks.

I'd call to speak with someone else. Those representatives don't always know what they are talking about. Ask what your DME coverage is like and if your dr writes an Rx I doubt it would make sense that it would be a manual one. The DME companies I've called have all had double electric pumps only. I know all insurance is different but I'd call back with the DME information and see who their providers are or if you are able to buy it OTC (say in BRU) and be reimbursed. Most insurances seem to require you go through their vendors.

nickilove · January 2012

erniebufflo:
Who did you call and speak to at your insurer? I'm wanting to call and find out the same thing, particularly since one of my girls will be having surgery right after birth and won't be able to nurse, a pump will be for sure medically necessary.

Member services to check your coverage.

Mine won't allow the Rx be written until after the baby is born (so I'm gonna have him write it in the labor room) and have it delivered at home.

Your hospital may allow you to use one of theirs, but since you already know your baby will be having surgery tell them that. They have been very kind when I call on preggo stuff.

DiamondDani · January 2012

Mine will only cover it if I will be away from the baby for a medical reason (Baby has to go to NICU, etc.)

sbost0118 · January 2012

nickilove:

I wrote out a super long post about this and the server hates me.

Check with your insurance to see if you have durable medical equipment coverage. Then speak with your OB about writing your prescription. Find out what the process is with your insurance, mine provided a 10 page list of DME suppliers for me to see if any of them had what I was looking for.

I found Apria Healthcare is a preferred provider, and see that they cover the Hygeia pump I want. I spoke with my Dr and he has no problem saying it's a medical neccessity.

Check with your insurance before you purchase one or have it on your registry. The $200+ can go towards something else.

So my customer service rep say that I do have durable medical equipment coverage, but that they still do not cover breast pumps. Sadface..

mumegs · January 2012

My insurance wouldn't cover it unless it was a medical necessity, but I did get to use my FSA for it which works for me!

erniebufflo · January 2012

nickilove:
erniebufflo:
Who did you call and speak to at your insurer? I'm wanting to call and find out the same thing, particularly since one of my girls will be having surgery right after birth and won't be able to nurse, a pump will be for sure medically necessary.

Member services to check your coverage.

Mine won't allow the Rx be written until after the baby is born (so I'm gonna have him write it in the labor room) and have it delivered at home.

Your hospital may allow you to use one of theirs, but since you already know your baby will be having surgery tell them that. They have been very kind when I call on preggo stuff.

Booo. Customer service rep says a rental pump would be covered only as long as Claire is inpatient.

nickilove · January 2012

That stinks that people's insurance won't cover. My "medical neccessity" hopefully won't be a real one. But "being away from the baby", like being at work immediately is a reason for my insurance. Or latching issues. Or severe engorgement. YOur doctor has hopefully been doing this for years and would know what needs to be said if your insurance will cover them.

For those lurking I'd say still discuss it with your insurance and your OB. I pay so much for my insurance and rarely if ever use it. My feeling is as much as I can legally get right now I will, and that means the longest possible stay that I'm comfortable with for my delivery and every updated test that's available and all the ultrasounds my doctor will offer. As soon as my medical professionals see that I have great insurance they have been upgrading everything...as will I.

schmood · January 2012

If your employer has an employee assistance program (EAP) check with them as well.... as they may cover it. I used to work for a company that administered EAPs and breast pumps were an included benefit for some. You'd probably have to check with your company's HR dept to see if they sponsor an EAP then they should give you the # to contact. Ceridian is one EAP adminsitrator if that name rings any bells...

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