So I just called my insurance company and they said that they do cover breast pumps but the Dr has to call and give Authorization for it.
Is this what everyone else had to do too? I don't know if they are saying you have to have some sort of condition in order to get it.
Re: Breast Pump coverage
For my insurance I have to get the midwife to write a prescription for (specifically) an electric double breast pump, which I then submit to the insurance company and they send it to me.
At least, hopefully it will be that easy...
If there was conditions to it they might have told you up front. I think they just want doctor confirmation before paying out money. My insurance doesn't cover a breast pump unless the baby is detained in the hospital due to illness or prematurity and I am released before the baby. I can only imagine the hassle that would be if it comes to it.
I would contact the doctor right away and get the ball rolling, who knows how long the process might take if they are asking for authorization.
They only cover the rental of a breast pump under my health plan. Lame. I am not renting. So... I will just have to put it on my registry and hope either someone buys it or I get a lot of gift cards to cover the double electric one I want!
I called my insurance company and got the list of the approved medical supply companies that they offer through. I then went to meet with one of their representatives, had them call the insurance company and report back to me
1) what was needed, 2) When I could get it, 3) time and cost requirements, etc.
In my case, the pump was covered, they will order it before the baby is born, and I needed a prescription that was a form from the medical supply company. All of these answers were somewhat different that what I got when I spoke to my insurance company directly. I think that this is so new, that a lot of the representatives at the insurance company don't know how to answer the questions. I am glad I had a professional call for me that is familiar with the law, agreements, etc. You may get further if you go this route.
In any case, I had my Dr. sign the "prescription" at my 24 week appt. and it is in the process of being ordered now.
Hope this helps.
Dude, take the rental and leave it at work. Seriously, they are so much better than a store bought pump. Then, all you need is a single electric or manual at home.
Francesca Pearl is here! Josephine Hope is almost 3!