Help with getting a breast pump

Megncowan2 · May 2014

Hi everyone! I am new to the third trimester group as I just entered it :-). I am writing with a question about getting the breast pump through my insurance. My midwife said I would need to give her paperwork from my insurance. My insurance said there is no paperwork to give her... I'm so confused and wondering how you all went about getting yours, and yes my case is unique (maybe, maybe not?) because we are using a midwife not sure if that makes a difference but our midwife said she has filed for plenty of clients to get their pumps in the past.

JustGoWithIt · May 2014

It most likely depends on your insurance carrier's requirements. I just called my insurance last week. They gave me a specific company to call to order it through. I called that company to find out the models available to me. They said once I decide which I want to just call back, they'd take my insurance info & send it to me within 5 days. They did say I had to be more than 28 weeks along, but no need to wait for baby to arrive. Good luck!

ADC1979 · May 2014

I googled "aetna breast pump" and was able to find out the steps easily from there. Maybe just try a search with whatever the name of your insurance company may be. For Aetna, I had a list of a few providers I could contact online.

So I just filled out the online form, the company contacted my insurance, and like a week later I had my breast pump. I got it in the 2nd trimester, so you should be able to inquire into getting one now!

ElTrain5 · May 2014

I've got Aetna and based on the info on their website, found a list of medical supply stores I could order one from. I ordered one through "yummymummystore.com" and just picked a pump, entered my insurance info, they filed a claim, and sent me the pump!

oct-wedding · May 2014

You guys with Aetna are lucky. I don't know what man made the rules but with my BlueCross insurance (that is referred to as the Cadillac plan at my company) says I am supposed to wait until after the baby arrives to order the pump which is very stupid. I'm on #3 and I needed a pump immediately after one of my son's births so waiting for baby to arrive to order it is silly. The woman on their customer service line was very helpful showing me how to search for providers so I know where to go when I need to buy the pump; and I found out form a co-worker that his wife got her pump 2 weeks before her due date. So now at 39 weeks I just have to make the call to get the pump.

DBonfante · May 2014

I just called my insurance who provided me with a number to call. Called the number picked the pump I wanted and got it in the mail a week later. Just had to fill out a card and return it once my pump arrived. I just had to wait until I was 36 weeks to order it.
Call you insurance company they will tell you what to do.

Luna C · May 2014

I called my insurance, they told me to get a script from my doc (it was not complicated, it literally said something like, "Breast Pump"), and then they gave me numbers of local companies to call. I called them, picked out a pump, they submitted the paperwork and then the company called to say it would be on its way, but not until two weeks before my due date (a requirement of my insurance plan.)

I barely had to do a thing. I would start with your insurance -- your midwife sounds confused, honestly.

naturaloaklandmama · May 2014

Same as everyone says -- its not something that you get through midwife (I have one too and mkaes no difference) its something you get through insurance. I called them and they gave me three different companies I could order through. They will not send me the pump until 30 days out from my due date. Also, they have the less fancy versions of pumps but if you want the kind that has the carrier, etc, some of hte companies allow you to pay out-of-pocket for the difference. Good luck!

ncbelle · May 2014

I have Anthem Blue Cross - I emailed and was sent a list of companies I could order through. Just placed my order today (the company I ordered through won't process until 30 days before you due date - that may vary from company to company too?).

Krisd6 · May 2014

I was able to order mine through a link on my insurance website
I would call and ask them directly!

jnnfrrose6 · May 2014

I agree you need to call your insurance rep, but heads up you may not get the help you need there. The rep from my insurance was stupid and told me I "just need to go buy whatever pump I want at babies r us or a similar store and submit the receipt with their claim form using a specific code." Sorry, nothing about that sounds right since I'm pretty sure no insurance carriers will just let you pick out whatever you want and reimburse you for it. I also looked up the code she gave me online and it's one that most insurance uses and definitely only covers certain pumps. So, it's going to be another phone call to insurance to find someone who knows what they're talking about.

Nekotaru · May 2014

We have Cigna. Called the insurance, their process goes through Carecentrix. Called and they said all they need is a fax 2 months prior to my due date from the OBGYN for a breastfeeding RX and they will ship pump in 7-10 business days. I had to answer some questions on the phone for them to fill out an official "request form" for it, but it was just all done via phone. OB faxed it same day, and a week later I had the pump! (I've had it a few weeks now already and I'm at 38w).

( They offered Medela double electric breastpump kit, it was 100% covered by my insurance and I literally saved over $200. So, if any ladies have Cigna, ask about this via Carecentrix! )

Unknown · May 2014

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lookame3639 · May 2014

My insurance is pretty easy to work with. I didn't have to submit anything through insurance, instead I called a medical supply store and they'll do all the paperwork. They express mail out the pump and I'll get it the next day. Ameda is covered 100% where medela and hygia pumps are a $30 upcharge. The downfall is if i order the pump early the 1 year replacement starts the day i order the pump.

dragonfly711 · May 2014

I have united health care NYSHIP plan. They gave me 3 websites to go to. I picked the pump and completed the form online.

I have to wait til May 20 to order. A month before I am due.

You don't have to go through your midwife. Has nothing to do with her. Just call insurance and see what they tell you. A lot of companies make you wait at least a month to order.

tnd1218 · May 2014

Nekotaru said:
We have Cigna. Called the insurance, their process goes through Carecentrix. Called and they said all they need is a fax 2 months prior to my due date from the OBGYN for a breastfeeding RX and they will ship pump in 7-10 business days. I had to answer some questions on the phone for them to fill out an official "request form" for it, but it was just all done via phone. OB faxed it same day, and a week later I had the pump! (I've had it a few weeks now already and I'm at 38w).

( They offered Medela double electric breastpump kit, it was 100% covered by my insurance and I literally saved over $200. So, if any ladies have Cigna, ask about this via Carecentrix! )

This exactly. Only I called in April and had to call again this week because I had not received my pump. They apologized and said it will be here in 5-7 days and call again if it is not.

britab · May 2014

My insurance says I have to have the baby first and then get a script from the doctor. I can pick a pump up before I leave the hospital.

fsumom · May 2014

I just have to take my ID and insurance card in to the store associated with the hospital in order to get mine.

oct-wedding · May 2014

Was anyone able to get the Medela backpack or tote pump through insurance? After calling a few places I've been told that I can only get the Pump In Style starter set that is basically the pump with no bag. The first two couldn't tell me if there was an upcharge or not but the tote was $99 which seems ridiculous. Not very useful for a person taking public transportation. I had a PIS backpack that's 6 years old so I'm replacing it and would like the backpack. I've also tried finding tubing to re-use the current pump as a backup and that's been a challenge as well.

dragonfly711 · May 2014

oct-wedding said:
Was anyone able to get the Medela backpack or tote pump through insurance? After calling a few places I've been told that I can only get the Pump In Style starter set that is basically the pump with no bag. The first two couldn't tell me if there was an upcharge or not but the tote was $99 which seems ridiculous. Not very useful for a person taking public transportation. I had a PIS backpack that's 6 years old so I'm replacing it and would like the backpack. I've also tried finding tubing to re-use the current pump as a backup and that's been a challenge as well.

I wanted the back pack as well.
My insurance will only do the medela pis but no bag and no cooler. Stinks that they don't let you choose. Yeah and I priced the bag separate and it is like &100. Without the cooler. That is crazy.

Think it depends on insurance. I have united health care. Was bummed.

jenlynne0624 · May 2014

dragonfly711 said:

Was anyone able to get the Medela backpack or tote pump through insurance? After calling a few places I've been told that I can only get the Pump In Style starter set that is basically the pump with no bag. The first two couldn't tell me if there was an upcharge or not but the tote was $99 which seems ridiculous. Not very useful for a person taking public transportation. I had a PIS backpack that's 6 years old so I'm replacing it and would like the backpack. I've also tried finding tubing to re-use the current pump as a backup and that's been a challenge as well.
I wanted the back pack as well. My insurance will only do the medela pis but no bag and no cooler. Stinks that they don't let you choose. Yeah and I priced the bag separate and it is like &100. Without the cooler. That is crazy. Think it depends on insurance. I have united health care. Was bummed.

This. I called and talked to my insurance yesterday about all of this and JUST THE PUMP is covered. I am getting the PISA too and priced the bag at 100 through the medical supply place and BRU. I think Target had it closer to 90, but I am just going to use a backpack that I all ready have and buy a cooler and ice packs instead of blowing the extra 100 for the accessories. I have BCBS

dragonfly711 · May 2014

jennyd321 said:

dragonfly711 said:

oct-wedding said:
Was anyone able to get the Medela backpack or tote pump through insurance? After calling a few places I've been told that I can only get the Pump In Style starter set that is basically the pump with no bag. The first two couldn't tell me if there was an upcharge or not but the tote was $99 which seems ridiculous. Not very useful for a person taking public transportation. I had a PIS backpack that's 6 years old so I'm replacing it and would like the backpack. I've also tried finding tubing to re-use the current pump as a backup and that's been a challenge as well.
I wanted the back pack as well.
My insurance will only do the medela pis but no bag and no cooler. Stinks that they don't let you choose. Yeah and I priced the bag separate and it is like &100. Without the cooler. That is crazy.

Think it depends on insurance. I have united health care. Was bummed.

This. I called and talked to my insurance yesterday about all of this and JUST THE PUMP is covered. I am getting the PISA too and priced the bag at 100 through the medical supply place and BRU. I think Target had it closer to 90, but I am just going to use a backpack that I all ready have and buy a cooler and ice packs instead of blowing the extra 100 for the accessories. I have BCBS

The cooler from babiesrus is not too expensive. It comes cooler ice pack and two bottles I think. For 25 dollars I believe.

Justabean3 · May 2014

Look at Aeroflow medical supply.
They have more and it's covered by a lot of insurances. The lady there calls and does all the talking to the insurance.

https://breastpumps.aeroflowinc.com

BBColt78 · May 2014

My insurance required no prescription and no paperwork. They told me two places I was allowed to order through. I picked one, went online and placed my order.

You insurance probably has a maternity program and you can talk to one of those nurses. They know what you have to do if a pump is covered under your insurance.

Snowflake312 · May 2014

I have BCBS of Arizona. I live in Illinois. They were not helpful on the phone. I was told to search for durable medical equipment provider in my area on the website. They told me to call one by one to see which carried breast pumps.

It was taking forever so I tried a different approach. Since I knew I wanted a Medela PISA I went to their website and found providers in my area. I then searched the BCBS website and found the matches. The specific provider I went with will give you a Medela PIS with starter kit including a bag and some basics for free. It's $130 out of pocket to upgrade to the tote/backpack and $180 for the metro bag. They didn't carry the freestyle.

Someone from work with same insurance had more luck through their OB office, which did the grunt work for them. My OB office just told me to call my insurance. Good luck!

Pnut050515 · March 2015

It totally depends on your insurance company. My sister told me about Aeroflow Healthcare and they do all the insurance legwork for you. I just had to fill out a form on their website with my doctor's information and address...stuff like that. I got a Medela Starter in the mail about a week later. They didn't need a prescription upfront but that probably depends on what your insurance says. Here's the link if anyone wants it https://www.breastpumps.aeroflowinc.com/qualify-through-insurance/

delujm0 · March 2015

ncbelle said:
I have Anthem Blue Cross - I emailed and was sent a list of companies I could order through. Just placed my order today (the company I ordered through won't process until 30 days before you due date - that may vary from company to company too?).

I have NC Anthem BCBS too...and I got my pump at 26 weeks. It depends on the company you order from. I used Aeroflow, did it 100% online, and it was super easy.

Unknown · March 2015

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ashleyhozey · March 2015

Go on Aeroflow.com and enter your insurance info! They called me and handled everything!

sunnyday016 · March 2015

Bliss+Berry said:

oct-wedding said:
Was anyone able to get the Medela backpack or tote pump through insurance? After calling a few places I've been told that I can only get the Pump In Style starter set that is basically the pump with no bag. The first two couldn't tell me if there was an upcharge or not but the tote was $99 which seems ridiculous. Not very useful for a person taking public transportation. I had a PIS backpack that's 6 years old so I'm replacing it and would like the backpack. I've also tried finding tubing to re-use the current pump as a backup and that's been a challenge as well.
I don't get this kind of complaint. You're getting a double electric pump covered by your insurance which was unheard of until about 3 years ago. Some insurance companies don't even cover an electric one, period. You do realize you'd otherwise be shelling out over $300?

Seriously! My insurance covered the Medela PISA starter kit. It's not that big of a deal to have it in another bag- you don't have to have the Medela bag.

ABeautifulMind · March 2015

I have Anthem. During my 2nd tri they told me to submit a Rx from my care provider to Accelleron Medical Group (I think????). My midwife provided me with the paperwork and I faxed it to Accelleron. Someone from Accelleron called me the next day to go through my options (3 different brands, multiple styles). I ended up choosing the Medela starter kit double breast pump. I purchased a bag from Target. I already had the accessories from my previous child. I could have chosen to upgrade to the tote or messenger bag for $90-160. Not worth the money in my opinion since I just needed a new pump. The entire process was ridiculously easy. They called the day before it was shipped to let me know they were sending it out in the overnight mail. It was at my doorstep the next afternoon. I'm still 5 weeks from my due date and now have everything I need.

StewartElizabeth · May 2015

Babiesrus.com will do the work for you. Fill out their form online with insurance info and they will contact the insurance and find out what you qualify for.

kedbach · May 2015

Anyone have united healthcare?? Just the normal United?

Kbchavez23 · May 2015

kedbach said:
Anyone have united healthcare?? Just the normal United?

I have UnitedHealth care through my job. I went through areoflow and they handled everything. My pump should be here next week!

kedbach · May 2015

Glad to hear it was simple, @Kbchavez23 !! The guy I talked to from United seemed clueless! He first said I can get any pump that target has...ok, seems simple. THEN he rambled off some company name and number and continued to talk about non-relevant topics. I think I better try my luck with someone else! Haha

Kbchavez23 · May 2015

kedbach said:
Glad to hear it was simple, @Kbchavez23 !! The guy I talked to from United seemed clueless! He first said I can get any pump that target has...ok, seems simple. THEN he rambled off some company name and number and continued to talk about non-relevant topics. I think I better try my luck with someone else! Haha

Lol yeah just go to areoflows website. It's 3 steps of information, and then they'll email you once they see what your insurance will cover. Mine only covered basic models but that's ok,
It still saved me $140 or so! I got the medela pnsa starter. @kedbach

GirlOnTheBeach · May 2015

oct-wedding said:
Was anyone able to get the Medela backpack or tote pump through insurance? After calling a few places I've been told that I can only get the Pump In Style starter set that is basically the pump with no bag. The first two couldn't tell me if there was an upcharge or not but the tote was $99 which seems ridiculous. Not very useful for a person taking public transportation. I had a PIS backpack that's 6 years old so I'm replacing it and would like the backpack. I've also tried finding tubing to re-use the current pump as a backup and that's been a challenge as well.

Walmart carries the tubing online for pretty cheap!

nnewman4 · May 2015

I had to have my doctor fax in a script. I gave him the information Monday and Wednesday it was delivered! (I have Cigna) So if your insurance is like mine, just have the doctor call in the script once the baby is born and you'll have it by the time you're home from the hospital!

Sounds like I got lucky with my insurance though. I had to be at least 28 weeks to order it, I ended up waiting until 30. Now I'm just staring at it and freaking out that there's a baby coming soon!

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