Breast pump and insurance coverage

TashaPlusNika · November 2014

So, I had a quick but very productive conference call with an operator from my insurance provider and a rep. from the medical equipment company that the insurance company uses.

Long story cut short, we're able to get our pump completely covered by insurance, this was complete news to me and I wanted to put it out there in case some of the first time moms didn't know this was a possibility. In fact, though I'm not a first time mom, it's my first time having a baby in the US, so a lot has been different thus far but the pump coverage is definitely a surprise.

indianaalum · November 2014

It was part of the Affordable Health Care Act (aka Obama care). All insurance companies have to offer something, though I am sure it varies company to company

My insurance company just gave me the choice of 3 different electric pumps so I chose the Medela Pump. It looks good, so I hope so

eleolin8 · November 2014

Yes, I ordered mine today actually. As a FTM, I am happy to get it early to learn about how it works and how to piece everything together.

racheldiaries · November 2014

Yeah I was none-to-pleased our insurance doesn't cover pumps at all except for if your child is in NICU and only during that time period. But, was lucky enough to find someone selling theirs unused on a resale site for an affordable price.

jennypolkadots · November 2014

I was also pleased to find out my insurance covers 100% of the cost of a pump. I get to choose between three options - Medela, Hygeia, and Freeme. I'm going with the Medela and hoping it does the job. If not, I'll rent a hospital grade if needed.

nolanova85 · November 2014

Yes, it's a nice part of the ACA. I don't know if this is common, but I inquired about getting the pump early in my pregnancy and was told I could not order until 1 month out from my EDD. I've got an outlook reminder set to remind me next week - but just FYI in case anyone else encounters this.

TashaPlusNika · November 2014

I'm getting the Medela too, based on babygearlab reviews and Amazon, I'm really hopeful it works out. I've never used an electric before.

lizj12 · November 2014

I learned it was part of ACA through my insurance company's Healthy Pregnancy Program. They connect you with a nurse who you talk to a few times throughout pregnancy (they work for the insurance company and are separate from your medical provider) and provided me with a number of resources to check out, including info on how to get a free breast pump. Just call your insurance company and ask - mine gave me 3 different websites that have pumps eligible (double electric pumps, so not bottom of the line ones) and that I could also get it from Target Pharmacy. You can only get it one month in advance of your due date, but do your research ahead to know which one you'll pick. Also, FSA covers eligible breastfeeding support items like storage bottles etc. The guy I talked to through my insurance said the ACA info is still really new and he thought supplies related to the breast pump would be free too, but wasn't 100% when i talked to him. So, I guess we'll see on that one.

amieeyoung · November 2014

Mine offers up to 28.00 for a breast pump.... I was disappointed. So they have to offer to help with breast pump but mine is not 100%.

So now to search for a breastpump that is good enough to pump at work but won't break the bank too much

AlwaysForgetful · November 2014

Mine only covers a breast pump if I am separated from the baby. Like a NICU stay. I have a history of supply problems, so we used a pump to help keep it up. They denied us still. Boo. My blue brick is not working so well, so I don't think it will make it throught this last baby.

amieeyoung · November 2014

Mine only cover 28.00 towards a pump...

I was disappointed, I need a dual electric since I will be going back to work in 2 months so the pump is a necessity. Better than nothing I suppose, but I was hoping for more. So, time to start looking!

TashaPlusNika · November 2014

stellabunny said:

Mine fully covered a Medela PISA, which was awesome. I had no idea so many insurance companies now offered a pump benefit due to the ACA. It was something I found out from hanging out on The Bump.

That's the one I'm getting! I've never used an electric before, would you say it's pretty straight forward and/or intuitive or are there any tips and tricks you could share? Thanks!

Knottie17147683 · November 2014

Does anyone have Medicaid/ medical assistance?

nickicl · November 2014

Last time around, I had to pay for it all but I was very happy with my Medela Pump In Style . Although my employer also offered a medical grade one in lactation room as well that you could bring your own parts to hook into. I went ahead and did this as well and it was a bit stronger and faster although I would've been just fine with Pump In Style only. It was nice to have options in case I forgot or didn't want to bring everything everyday. In any event, I believe (confirming this week) that my insurance will cover cost of a new pump this and I'm not sure if the old one is still good or worn out or what? (Used daily for about 10 months + it has been in storage for 5 yrs). I could certainly use new parts and accessories at least so I'm hoping to get some assistance.

dianeg1017 · November 2014

Mine covers only the Medea double electric at 100% but they won't let me order it until I actually deliver. I think this is so strange.

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