Did you get a free pump from your insurance? Help a FTM out please!

CopperPoppy · January 2014

I apologize if I am breaking any rules here, I admittedly have not lurked this board yet but I do plan to BF and assume this will be one of the first places as I get closer to that phase. In the meantime I'm trying to navigate the uncharted waters of insurance claims. If it helps to know, I have Anthem Blue Cross PPO, I am 22 weeks, FTM, in CA. When I called today they told me that they do indeed cover breast pumps from their in-network distributors Edgepark and Byram. They both have a few varieties. I'm looking at "Medela Advanced Personal Double Electric Breastpump" and "Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump Shoulder Strap Bag".

So I guess my question is which one would you recommend? And also, if you went through either of these companies, what was your experience like? TIA, I appreciate all your experience!

atcwag · January 2014

I have a Medela Pump in Style Advanced. No complaints.

CopperPoppy · January 2014

@tarheeimomtobe, did you have to wait until a certain time to order through Edgepark? I've heard one of the two either make you wait until 30 days before your due date or after the baby is actually born. Just wondering if that might be a factor.

lollipoppoop · January 2014

I have both and the medela advanced is better than the ameda IMO

Kacieincognito · January 2014

atcwag said:
I have a Medela Pump in Style Advanced. No complaints.

Ditto. My insurance gave me the same choice of pumps. Based on reviews, I chose the Medela and received it for free. I also read that it was easier to get parts for the Medela in stores nearby if they were ever needed. In fact, BRU I have no complaints about my Medela. I find it simple to use .

amichelle723 · January 2014

I have the medela as well and love it. I also used edgepark and had to wait 30 days before my due date to order. They said it was because most insurance companies won't cover it until that point, but when I told them my insurance had no such requirement, they still made me wait. I was concerned because the medela had been backordered, but I ended up receiving it in just a few days anyway.

berg1515 · January 2014

I have the Medela and ordered from Edgepark - it was fast and easy. I really like the Medela pump and travel bag. It's easy to use and like other PP said you can easily find replacement/extra parts at BRU or Target... Edgepark sent my pump within a week of ordering - very quick processing time; however, I think the timing of when you can get it depends on your ins plan not the medical supply provider...

boymamaco · January 2014

I got the Medela through my insurance. Its been working out great for us. Because I delivered three weeks early and my insurance wouldnt ship out a pump until two weeks before my due date, I rented the hospital pump. My HSA was able to cover the rental so I wasnt out of pocket; only had to deal with getting the rental back to the hospital. There were other places to rent from that were closer to me (baby stores, etc.)

Unknown · January 2014

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TheDairyQueenx3 · January 2014

I have the medela advance personal double. Used it with my first and now my twins and I love it! I also got my medela harmony ( hand held manual) for free as well as milk storage bags, extra bottles, and replacement parts. Just ask your insurance what else they cover on top of the pump. And I get to rent my symphony with no out of pocket cost due to preemies. Just be sure to have them really explain what they will cover and take full advantage! Most medical supply places carry milk storage bag and accessories so it can help save a lot of money. Although I do love my kiind twist milk storage system! But I bought that out of pocket.

EmeraldCity84 · January 2014

I ordered the Medela through Byram, you cannot submit the order until 30 days before your due date (they will just send it back asking you to resubmit at 30 days) and they will not ship it until 5 days before your due date, unless you deliver early in which case you will call them and they will rush it overnight to you. I'm still 7 days from due date, so it hasn't come yet, but my coworker did the exact same thing and had absolutely no issues getting the pump on time following this process.

jesuisfatiguee · January 2014

I use the Ameda PY, but I don't have a comparison point since it's the only double-electric I've used. I agree with PP that their customer service is absolutely amazing, though. I called them earlier and had an awesome experience.

CopperPoppy · January 2014

Wow! Thanks for the responses ladies! I've noticed that a lot of people love the Medela In style whatever one so I'm not really expecting it will be as good. I do kinda like the idea that the parts are available at stores like BRU and Target. Sounds like both are a good option and I have some time to think about it.

It's not for sure yet, but I'm preparing myself for a C/S due to some complications I'm having. Sounds like if I have the doctor document that I can get the pump sooner. I also like the idea of the rental if I don't have to pay an astronomical amount for it. Although, I may get spoiled by it. Thanks again for all the feedback. Hopefully, I'll be back in the next few months to soak up your brains on BF! (wow, that sounded way creeper than I hoped for)

Naena · January 2014

I ordered the Medela through Byram. Edge park didn't have the Medela available when I called, so I went with Byram. It was easy. I had to wait until DD was born (it depends on your insurance). I called from the hospital and had no problems, received it three days later. I wasn't sure how long it would take to get it so I rented a hospital grade pump in the mean time, but It came so fast it wasn't necessary.

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Did you get a free pump from your insurance? Help a FTM out please!

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