I thought insurance covered breast pumps?

ang2016 · January 2014

I guess mine does not. My plan at my old job did. I guess the plan I have now was grandfathered in therefore government mandates do not apply. Will only cover rental of a pump is baby needs to be hospitalized after birth. Lame. I guess I shouldn't complain too much as my family health care is paid for by my employer. Just hoping I wouldn't have to spend $300 on one and might get some sort of discount!

chusum · January 2014

I think some companies are able to get around the new plan requirements. Most of the covered pumps suck anyway. You'd most likely end up buying a good one if you actually plan on pumping once a day or more. I know my insurance covers a crappy electric one with everything else pretty manual. I'll probably get it just in case, but they won't even give me a discount on the pump (I have) if I wanted to buy it again.

brittneyandadam · January 2014

I just found out that our insurance fully covers a pump...but that only started this year. Before, they'd only cover a rental from the hospital. If it doesn't freak you out *too* much, you can probably find one on Freecycle or Craig's List. I originally was planning to put one on the baby registry...so you could always do that too. GL hun!

lbonga1 · January 2014

Yeah, if it's a grandfathered plan they're not required to cover it. Last year when the coverage went into effect for the other plans, there apparently was a shortage from the companies that make the pumps. So my insurance company wouldn't send me one before I gave birth. They said I could call from the hospital, and I ended up having to pay about $50 shipping and handling.

portentosa · January 2014

My pump was covered, my insurance had to cover it starting 2013. I got a double electric. Doesn't surprise me that companies are trying to worm out of it if they can though. I had to fight for my hearing implant, I lost my fight but then it was covered a year later. I wasn't informed about the change in my policy....good thing I was looking.

EHeintz · January 2014

I saw this article a few weeks ago. I haven't looked into it much yet but thought I'd pass it along. https://www.modernmom.com/c5c95d26-3b4a-11e3-b6a4-bc764e04a41e.html

EHeintz · January 2014

I guess I should have said, it's about a new IRS rule allowing you to deduct breast feeding items as a medical deduction.

ang2016 · January 2014

brittneyandadam said:

I just found out that our insurance fully covers a pump...but that only started this year. Before, they'd only cover a rental from the hospital. If it doesn't freak you out *too* much, you can probably find one on Freecycle or Craig's List. I originally was planning to put one on the baby registry...so you could always do that too. GL hun!

It wouldn't freak me out too much if I knew the person who used it previously but from a stranger it does freak me out! I figure I will have a few weeks at home before I need to seriously worry about it. I sure don't want to spend the money and then learn I can't produce enough milk!

ang2016 · January 2014

RollinOnDubs said:

The Pump In Style is part of the Baby Sale at Target right now. It's $249, and you get a $50 gift card with purchase. https://www.target.com/p/medela-pump-in-style-advanced-breast-pump-on-the-go-tote/-/A-10762141#prodSlot=medium_1_5&term=all+baby+deals

BRU also does a twice yearly Feeding Sale which brings it down to about the same price.

If you are stuck buying your own, hope this helps!

I saw this the other day! I hope they have a sale like this again... you know around September!

an02102 · January 2014

ang2016 said:

brittneyandadam said:

I just found out that our insurance fully covers a pump...but that only started this year. Before, they'd only cover a rental from the hospital. If it doesn't freak you out *too* much, you can probably find one on Freecycle or Craig's List. I originally was planning to put one on the baby registry...so you could always do that too. GL hun!

It wouldn't freak me out too much if I knew the person who used it previously but from a stranger it does freak me out! I figure I will have a few weeks at home before I need to seriously worry about it. I sure don't want to spend the money and then learn I can't produce enough milk!

There are pumps that are considered closed system and are ok to buy used and just buy all new tubing for it. Working for a hospital I can use the same pumps that they provide to new mom's and all I have to buy is the tubing that fits in it and can use those.

This is a good link describing the differences. https://www.breastpumpsdirect.com/open_system_breastpumps_vs_closed_system_breastpumps_a/147.htm

lesleyn21 · January 2014

FYI I had the first years breast flow mipump with Ds and it was amazing. I'm buying it again this time around and it's only $75. The pump was amazing and when I messed up the tubing (totally my fault) the company sent me a new one and a new system for free and quickly. Awesome customer service.

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I thought insurance covered breast pumps?

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