breast pump.

stephanie6607 · October 2012

So my husband called our insurance yesterday for a bill we received & while he was on the phone he was asking about when we have our child. We were told a few weeks ago that a breast pump will be covered. Turns out, it's manual only! We can get it from the hospital or the store & they will reimburse us. I'm just a little disappointed because I really wanted to try pumping. But I don't have the money to spend on a $200 plus pump.

Should I still go for a manual anyway since they pay for it?

bearkatjen · October 2012

I think I would call back and ask for more specifics. Will they cover any manual? Will they cover any pump, but only up to a certain price? If your doctor writes you a prescription for a certain pump, does that make a difference.

Because this coverage is new to many policies, it's not unusual to get mixed messages, and its worth your time to call back and question a few times.

6fsn · October 2012

I agree to call back and check your written benefits package for clarification. If this is still true would still get the manual. My electric converted to a manual and I did get plenty of use. If you will be going back to work invest in the electric. $200 initial investment is still a lot less than what formula will cost.

FWIW I used this pump and it was nice. You can probably find it cheaper too.

https://www.amazon.com/Philips-AVENT-Free-Electric-Breast/dp/B004HFQOLS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351696602&sr=8-1&keywords=avent+isis+iq+duo+twin+electric+pump

rrcraz7 · October 2012

My insurance only covers manual as well. I would take them up on it. Plenty of people use manual pumps just fine. Sure electric might be faster but you can make do with a manual. Also look into renting. I wasn't sure about pumping & didn't want to invest the $$. It was $40/mo to rent from the hospital.

stephanie6607 · October 2012

bearkatjen:
I think I would call back and ask for more specifics. Will they cover any manual? Will they cover any pump, but only up to a certain price? If your doctor writes you a prescription for a certain pump, does that make a difference.
Because this coverage is new to many policies, it's not unusual to get mixed messages, and its worth your time to call back and question a few times.

My husband said there wasn't a price limit. I'm not sure about the other questions.

I guess I'll have to call back and ask again.

Any recommendations for a manual pump since they will pay for it?

LSU628 · October 2012

They gave me a Medela manual pump for free in the hospital. It wasn't stellar, but worked in a pinch.

6fsn · October 2012

They may have a specific pump they give you. I did like my Avent manual though. My sister worked 2 days a week and used an Avent manual as well.

GigiFairy · October 2012

If that's all they cover, I would definetely take it even if you have an electric one. You never know.. the power may go out.. or your pump breaks suddenly; seriously, anything can happen.

SummerOH · October 2012

I had a manual with DD and was able to build up quite a stash with it. I would take it - it's better than nothing, right? You should also check Craigslist for pumps. I've seen brand-new, never used, still in the sealed packaging pumps go for less than half price on there. Sometimes people get them as gifts or get a free one and decide to sell it before using it.

Also, the Ameda Purely Yours is very highly rated and is around $125 on Amazon.

Kingston54 · November 2012

Check with your hospital first. My hopsital sent me home with a really nice manual Medela pump. I only used it a few times since it's such a PITA but I didn't ask for it and it was free!

breast pump.

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