XP: What is considered breastfeeding "supplies" and "equipment"?

radiant05 · January 2013

I know that breast pumps are now covered at 100% as a part of the new healthcare affordable care act. Although, I'm not really sure what is covered in terms of "supplies" and "equipment". I called my insurance company to try and get specifics, but they couldn't tell me a list of approved or unapproved items.

Milk storage bags, leak shields, nipple cream, extra tubing, pump accessories, pump bra, nursing tank, nursing bras, boppy? How far does "supplies and equipment" go??

Any one had experience with this?

edited: typo

LittleApple · January 2013

They should be able to give you a list. Otherwise, how wil anyone know?

I doubt a boppy, nursing tankk or bra fall under the category.

probably just the pump and maybe extra tubing.

coastalchristina · January 2013

This article might help (although it might vary per the insurance company):

https://healthblog.dallasnews.com/2013/01/breast-pumps-breastfeeding-supplies-and-lactation-support-covered-in-affordable-care-act-if-purchased-from-a-licensed-provider.html/

In the second paragraph there is a link to an example page of what's covered.

financialdiva · January 2013

I think each plan is going to be very different. For example United is only covering a double electric breast pump purchased directly from a durable equipment medical supplier. Nothing else will be covered, I checked.

Best bet is to keep researching until you find the right info. Took me a while to speak to the right person.

LittleApple · January 2013

Yeah. It is not like you can go buy a pump or whatever and then hand it to your insurance company. You will probably need to buy it from a health care supply store.

MrsJetSet · January 2013

You will need to call to find out. Unfortunately my plan is grandfathered out and opted out of the requirement so nothing is covered for us. You would likely be able to use your HSA for those other supplies, so look into that if they are not covered by your plan.