Breast pump PSA

Rogue237 · December 2013

Andrewsgal said:

You will never convince me taking advantage of insurance to even donate something is appropriate.if you want to donate something then do it the right way. Misusing and abusing any systems costs everyone more in the end.

How is it taking advantage if your insurance company offers it to you (and you've essentially paid for it)?

Rogue237 · December 2013

KendraColeslaw said:

Rogue237 said:

KendraColeslaw said:

Rogue237 said:

Should we start asking if people would steal a loaf of bread to feed their starving families now?

"I would not steal the bread and I would not let my family starve." Michael Scott, The Office

@KendraColeslaw - I heart you, because that's exactly what I was thinking of when I wrote that.

I couldn't find the cable remote yesterday so I had an Office marathon on Netflix instead.

Way better than anything on cable I bet.

Serenla · December 2013

Rogue237 said:
Should we start asking if people would steal a loaf of bread to feed their starving families now?

BiggerinRealLife · December 2013

Andrewsgal said:

pineconey said:
Do I "need" the shampoo from a hotel if I brought my own? No. Do I take it anyway? Yep. I paid for the room, so it's my shampoo. I can do whatever I want with it.
Yes because a $.50 bottle of shampoo is the same thing. We all pay insurance mine actually sucks worse than your I still don't feel the need to screw the company. Great lesson got my kids.

I think the lesson of "all we need is enough, so donate the excess" is a great one to teach my kids. If it were me in this situation I'd probably donate the used one and keep the new one, because I'm selfish and like things shiny, but when I'm given things I don't need it goes straight to charity. I know getting a prescription is not the same as being given a gift, but I'd liken it to a buy one get one free sale where I didn't need the second but I'm paying for it anyway, so I take it and give it to someone who can use it.

I hear a lot of sanctimonious blanket statements in this thread, which started after MF basically said "thanks, I hear what you're saying, but I have no qualms about donating my pump." Cue pearl clutching and abject horror.

Rogue237 · December 2013

Serenla said:

Should we start asking if people would steal a loaf of bread to feed their starving families now?

Andrewsgal · December 2013

BiggerinRealLife said:

Andrewsgal said:

pineconey said:
Do I "need" the shampoo from a hotel if I brought my own? No. Do I take it anyway? Yep. I paid for the room, so it's my shampoo. I can do whatever I want with it.
Yes because a $.50 bottle of shampoo is the same thing. We all pay insurance mine actually sucks worse than your I still don't feel the need to screw the company. Great lesson got my kids.
I think the lesson of "all we need is enough, so donate the excess" is a great one to teach my kids. If it were me in this situation I'd probably donate the used one and keep the new one, because I'm selfish and like things shiny, but when I'm given things I don't need it goes straight to charity. I know getting a prescription is not the same as being given a gift, but I'd liken it to a buy one get one free sale where I didn't need the second but I'm paying for it anyway, so I take it and give it to someone who can use it.

I hear a lot of sanctimonious blanket statements in this thread, which started after MF basically said "thanks, I hear what you're saying, but I have no qualms about donating my pump." Cue pearl clutching and abject horror.

Really you can't see how this is different than a BOGO sale? Um okay.

Serenla · December 2013

Rogue237 said:

Serenla said:

Rogue237 said:
Should we start asking if people would steal a loaf of bread to feed their starving families now?

michaelad3 · December 2013

Hmm I see both sides of this here too. I feel like a lot of people can openly see the issue with people getting unnecessary ultrasounds and billing insurance for it just because they can, but somehow getting a pump you don't need just because you can is okay. I believe it is very honorable to share what you don't need with those who do, but insurance premiums are factored by the amount that insurance pays out. I guess getting something with no intent to use it yourself feels off to me, but I also really appreciate the sentiment and reasoning behind it. I guess what I'm saying is that I really have no idea what I'm saying.

Rogue237 · December 2013

Serenla said:

Serenla said:

Should we start asking if people would steal a loaf of bread to feed their starving families now?

Me at this thread:

Serenla · December 2013

Rogue237 said:

Serenla said:

Rogue237 said:

Serenla said:

Rogue237 said:
Should we start asking if people would steal a loaf of bread to feed their starving families now?

Me at this thread:

You have no idea how badly I wish I could gif right now.

BiggerinRealLife · December 2013

Andrewsgal said:

BiggerinRealLife said:

Andrewsgal said:

pineconey said:
Do I "need" the shampoo from a hotel if I brought my own? No. Do I take it anyway? Yep. I paid for the room, so it's my shampoo. I can do whatever I want with it.
Yes because a $.50 bottle of shampoo is the same thing. We all pay insurance mine actually sucks worse than your I still don't feel the need to screw the company. Great lesson got my kids.
I think the lesson of "all we need is enough, so donate the excess" is a great one to teach my kids. If it were me in this situation I'd probably donate the used one and keep the new one, because I'm selfish and like things shiny, but when I'm given things I don't need it goes straight to charity. I know getting a prescription is not the same as being given a gift, but I'd liken it to a buy one get one free sale where I didn't need the second but I'm paying for it anyway, so I take it and give it to someone who can use it.

I hear a lot of sanctimonious blanket statements in this thread, which started after MF basically said "thanks, I hear what you're saying, but I have no qualms about donating my pump." Cue pearl clutching and abject horror.
Really you can't see how this is different than a BOGO sale? Um okay.

---
I said I'd liken it. Not that it's exactly the same. I've seen a lot of comparisons that seem very off to me in this thread, so I made one I think fits better. Not perfect, because comparisons are never perfect, but better for my point of view. Really, you don't know what "liken" means? Um, ok.

sugarrush · December 2013

I think ive been watching too much disney lately because after the bread comment, the first thing I thought of was Aladdin.... $:\$ ">

pdilly2b · December 2013

The "sticking it to insurance" argument here bugs me. By using insurance for maternity, I'm pretty sure most of us are getting more in benefits than we are paying in premiums. Even a no intervention/med birth with a midwife going home after 1 night will likely cost insurance at least $15K. And many births can cost upwards of $30K. And potentially much more if the baby needs extra care.

As some others have pointed out, the more insurance pays out, the more premiums rise for everyone to cover that pay out. Do what you want to do, but understand that basic fact of how insurance works.

I have a Freesyle that I used for 23 mo so I am going to see if I can get a new once since I anticipate it crapping out before I can get another 2 yrs of use out of it for this baby.

Twirple · December 2013

I realize that I am opening something up here, but I feel the need to say it. There is evidence that providing breast milk has long term health benefits including helping to prevent breast cancer in girls, reducing the chances of Crohns disease, reducing instances of juvenile diabetes and reducing doctors visits due to illness in the first 18 months. If my donating a $300 breast pump that I am at least partially paying for with my premiums can help a child to reduce the number of hospital and doctors visits for a lifetime, I will consider that a good investment in keeping premiums low.

Before anyone thinks that I am hating on formula. I don't. I have friends who have been unable to produce enough milk to feed their babies, and I love that fact that we have something else that can be used to feed them and help keep them healthy.

(Where I got my information https://www.notmilk.com/101.html )

BiggerinRealLife · December 2013

Twirple said:

I realize that I am opening something up here, but I feel the need to say it. There is evidence that providing breast milk has long term health benefits including helping to prevent breast cancer in girls, reducing the chances of Crohns disease, reducing instances of juvenile diabetes and reducing doctors visits due to illness in the first 18 months. If my donating a $300 breast pump that I am at least partially paying for with my premiums can help a child to reduce the number of hospital and doctors visits for a lifetime, I will consider that a good investment in keeping premiums low.

Before anyone thinks that I am hating on formula. I don't. I have friends who have been unable to produce enough milk to feed their babies, and I love that fact that we have something else that can be used to feed them and help keep them healthy.

(Where I got my information https://www.notmilk.com/101.html )

parks and recreation (2008) Animated Gif on Giphy

rockstarlaw · December 2013

what you're missing with that argument is that your insurance company is not covering those losses (or potential losses) unless those same people are insured by the same company. Insurance doesn't work that way. Your premiums, and the premiums of those under your plan, are based primarily on losses sustained by your company. If you prevent losses for Medicare Medicaid, etc - it does not measurably impact the price of insurance for those who pay for it.

DemoDoll · December 2013

I wonder if you can even donate a used breast pump if it isn't a closed system? Does anyone know? I know you can't donate used underwear.

TallaB · December 2013

Sometimes I use my AAA for someone else's car.

DemoDoll · December 2013

TallaB said:
Sometimes I use my AAA for someone else's car.

Hey girl, it's not Friday yet!! What will you use for your FFFC now?!?

TallaB · December 2013

DemoDoll said:

Sometimes I use my AAA for someone else's car.
Hey girl, it's not Friday yet!! What will you use for your FFFC now?!?

D'oh!!!

(

TallaB · December 2013

LalaMama81 said:

TallaB said:

Sometimes I use my AAA for someone else's car.

Well, since AAA allows the member to use it for whatever car they are in/with, you are w/in the terms of use. AAA follows the member not the vehicle.

And if I choose to help a stranger who has locked their keys in the car - then its my decision regardless of whether im with the car.

I have a hard time believing people support the insurance companies. Insurance companies screw people EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. "Oh, your doctor says you need this medication or you will die?? ANd it costs $9000? Welll......no. We don't think you need it". You bet your ass I will stick it to the insurance company if Im ever given a chance.

rockstarlaw · December 2013

I do not mean to be rude, but you clearly do not understand how insurance works. It is a risk transfer system. It is not a social welfare benefit pay-for-everything system. At least not in this country. It is still (currently) a privatized industry that must be profitable to sustain itself. And it is based on a contract. Some things are covered, some things are not. Insurance companies do not deny claims just to "screw" people. It's a contractual relationship.

Serenla · December 2013

TallaB said:

LalaMama81 said:

TallaB said:

Sometimes I use my AAA for someone else's car.

Well, since AAA allows the member to use it for whatever car they are in/with, you are w/in the terms of use. AAA follows the member not the vehicle.

And if I choose to help a stranger who has locked their keys in the car - then its my decision regardless of whether im with the car.

I have a hard time believing people support the insurance companies. Insurance companies screw people EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. "Oh, your doctor says you need this medication or you will die?? ANd it costs $9000? Welll......no. We don't think you need it". You bet your ass I will stick it to the insurance company if Im ever given a chance.

Well hey, hearing aids are still experimental treatments according to my MILs insurance. It might be a while before those meds are covered.

TallaB · December 2013

rockstarlaw said:

I do not mean to be rude, but you clearly do not understand how insurance works. It is a risk transfer system. It is not a social welfare benefit pay-for-everything system. At least not in this country. It is still (currently) a privatized industry that must be profitable to sustain itself. And it is based on a contract. Some things are covered, some things are not. Insurance companies do not deny claims just to "screw" people. It's a contractual relationship.

You're right. I probably don't have a great understanding of how insurance works...but i'm pretty sure no one does. But, that's a whole other discussion of why insurance dictates who deserves what. So when insurance denies coverage of an essential service...yeah, I see it as screwing someone. We will just have to agree to disagree here.

Rogue237 · December 2013

I just wanted to say that I'm not down for a sticking it to them attitude, but I also don't see the issue with getting the pumps that you are allowed by your provider and doing what you will with them.

pdilly2b · December 2013

@TallaB - the point is that by trying to stick it the insurance company, you are really sticking it to yourself and the rest of everyone else paying the premiums.

The insurance companies just shift the costs. There is no way to go after them without screwing their customers, i.e. the rest of us. They will not be taking the costs of extra benefits out of the profits.

I am not defending the insurance companies, I'm defending myself wanting to pay lower premiums.

TallaB · December 2013

pdilly2b said:

@TallaB - the point is that by trying to stick it the insurance company, you are really sticking it to yourself and the rest of everyone else paying the premiums. The insurance companies just shift the costs. There is no way to go after them without screwing their customers, i.e. the rest of us. They will not be taking the costs of extra benefits out of the profits. I am not defending the insurance companies, I'm defending myself wanting to pay lower premiums.

I never actually said I was donating a pump or doing anything "unethical". It just irritates me when people sit on their high horses and judge others who are doing what they think is the right thing and saying that 'sticking it to the man is a horrible example for your children" or whatever. Like I said, everyone has their own "ethical guide".

Serenla · December 2013

Serenla said:

TallaB said:

LalaMama81 said:

TallaB said:

Sometimes I use my AAA for someone else's car.

Well, since AAA allows the member to use it for whatever car they are in/with, you are w/in the terms of use. AAA follows the member not the vehicle.

And if I choose to help a stranger who has locked their keys in the car - then its my decision regardless of whether im with the car.

I have a hard time believing people support the insurance companies. Insurance companies screw people EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. "Oh, your doctor says you need this medication or you will die?? ANd it costs $9000? Welll......no. We don't think you need it". You bet your ass I will stick it to the insurance company if Im ever given a chance.

Well hey, hearing aids are still experimental treatments according to my MILs insurance. It might be a while before those meds are covered.

Oh yeah and the MRI to check me for blood clots a few years ago, their reasoning was that I was too young to have a blood clot so I didn't need to be tested for one.

TallaB · December 2013

Rogue237 said:

I just wanted to say that I'm not down for a sticking it to them attitude, but I also don't see the issue with getting the pumps that you are allowed by your provider and doing what you will with them.

I should have just said this. But really, I also do hate insurance companies. So, give me my pump and i'll do as I please BECAUSE i don't care if it screws you...(instead of "SO it will screw you"...is that better). I'm gonna walk away!

rockstarlaw · December 2013

Well, I happen have a pretty decent idea of how insurance works, and why certain claims get denied. Insurance can't pay every claim for every person - they pay the claims which require payment under the contract. If they paid claims NOT covered by the contract, it becomes a solvency issue - meaning, the company can't afford to pay these claims because the premiums charged are insufficient to cover the losses which aren't contemplated by the contract. And if the insurance company becomes insolvent for paying non-covered claims, the result is that the insurance company goes into receivership - and EVERYONE who is covered by that company loses - the company goes under. And before everyone starts hating me for being a fiscally practical person who is educated in insurance, I will say that I'm also a democrat who believes in socialized healthcare. I want the less fortunate to be covered. I want less fortunate mothers to have education, means, and access to things that will allow them to give their children the best healthy start in life - which I do believe in most cases includes breast feeding. But they can't be covered without paying premiums under the current system in the US, and screwing YOUR insurance company to try to get that done also isn't the way to make this work. I appreciate the intent behind it, but it's not the way to actually effectuate a positive change on a macro level. Insurance is one of the most highly regulated industries in the US. There are multiple methods of recourse for people whose claims are unjustifiably denied. Unfortunately, everyone who buys insurance thinks everything they want should be covered. It can't work like that. There just isn't enough money in the pot to cover everyone's "I want this to be covered claims." Hence, why we need a method of socialized health care in the US that CAN provide some of these items (not all - again, the economics don't work out) to those who wouldn't otherwise have access to it.

TallaB · December 2013

rockstarlaw said:

Well, I happen have a pretty decent idea of how insurance works, and why certain claims get denied. Insurance can't pay every claim for every person - they pay the claims which require payment under the contract. If they paid claims NOT covered by the contract, it becomes a solvency issue - meaning, the company can't afford to pay these claims because the premiums charged are insufficient to cover the losses which aren't contemplated by the contract. And if the insurance company becomes insolvent for paying non-covered claims, the result is that the insurance company goes into receivership - and EVERYONE who is covered by that company loses - the company goes under. And before everyone starts hating me for being a fiscally practical person who is educated in insurance, I will say that I'm also a democrat who believes in socialized healthcare. I want the less fortunate to be covered. I want less fortunate mothers to have education, means, and access to things that will allow them to give their children the best healthy start in life - which I do believe in most cases includes breast feeding. But they can't be covered without paying premiums under the current system in the US, and screwing YOUR insurance company to try to get that done also isn't the way to make this work. I appreciate the intent behind it, but it's not the way to actually effectuate a positive change on a macro level. Insurance is one of the most highly regulated industries in the US. There are multiple methods of recourse for people whose claims are unjustifiably denied. Unfortunately, everyone who buys insurance thinks everything they want should be covered. It can't work like that. There just isn't enough money in the pot to cover everyone's "I want this to be covered claims." Hence, why we need a method of socialized health care in the US that CAN provide some of these items (not all - again, the economics don't work out) to those who wouldn't otherwise have access to it.

Its not a matter of "wanting" things to be covered. There are something that a person NEEDS, that insurance will not cover. And some of those things are very costly. I pay a very good amount into insurance - and so do most people who pay for insurance. But I will never agree that insurance should determine what is needed and what is not. I have seen more than one traumatic brain injury patient have their insurance refuse rehab. I have seen more than one seizure patient have their insurance refuse to pay for a life saving medication. I for one have never screwed my insurance company...I see the doctors that fall under their terms and I pay my bills. But, I have seen my insurance company screw me. Soooo...again, i'll just disagree. I will agree for socialized medicine though.

Rrrrrachel · December 2013

My god has this thread gone off the deep end. Obviously donating a breast pump to a shelter or whatever is a good thing,but it's also not outrageous to look at the practice of taking something under false pretenses and saying you find those ethics questionable. Breast pumps are unlikely to cure child hood obesity or bankrupt insurance companies.

rockstarlaw · December 2013

Haha, this thread has definitely gone down a different path. But sometimes nerds such as myself can't help discussing certain topics. Back to nipple leakage and nursery bedding!

TallaB · December 2013

Twirple · December 2013

We can't stop this here! Another couple of pages and we're going to end up cross posted all over theBump again!

BeckyF82 · December 2013

Coming from the UK we are obviously treated by the NHS which although is seen as free healthcare for all is "technically" funded by our tax and national insurance contributions that the govt take from each pay cheque. So I guess one could equate it with private insurance eg if more people use the services / equipment provided by the NHS then the costs will eventually get passed down to us in the form of raised contributions. However, IF all the women in the US who were entitled to (but didn't need) a breast pump didn't claim their pump, do you seriously think your contributions / premiums would go down? Someone's already said that these companies are privatised in the US which means it is about profit. Whatever they don't spend on you they keep for themselves in profit. So I'm pretty sure you're not being cheated out of a saving by a few women donating their pumps to less fortunate people.

The reality is that because insurance companies are privatised, and are all about profit, they will pretty much find any excuse NOT to pay out for things they don't have to. I have experienced this in the UK with non medical based insurance. So if they are actually voluntarily offering you something "for free" (that you have probably paid for a million times over in your life time through premiums) then I say go for it if it is going to help other women who don't have insurance.

BiggerinRealLife · December 2013

Rogue237 said:

I just wanted to say that I'm not down for a sticking it to them attitude, but I also don't see the issue with getting the pumps that you are allowed by your provider and doing what you will with them.

This. @Rogue237 talks so good.

Luckie519 · December 2013

I also see both sides. I am the worry wart and would be concerned about "getting caught." LOL. That's just me.

I never knew insurance companies covered the breast pump. I actually just called my insurance company (Blue Cross Blue Shield) and mine is covered at 100%. I am really excited about.

Even though I am not sure about the kind of pump or if it is any good. Anyone know what one is typically provided?

irisheyez7 · December 2013

I was discussing this thread with my husband and when I brought up the whole "Screw the man" aspect of the conversation he just replied with "Screw the man eh? Haven't you all already done that? Isn't that how you all ended up on that forum in the first place?"
Ha. I couldn't resist sharing :-)

Rrrrrachel · December 2013

It varies wiiiiiidely from company to company.

Want a personalized experience?

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