ACA Breast Pumps

jaztastic · January 2015

So lets talk breast pumps... If you got yours through the Affordable Care Act how satisfied are you with it. Is it exactly the one you would have gotten if you paid retail? Did you opt for a cheaper option that wasnt what you wanted because it was free through your healthcare plan? Did you decide to purchase one out of pocket because you didnt like the healthcare options. Was an upgrade for a fee available to you to get a better kind?

Did it already come? or Do you have to wait until after the baby is born?

Are they yours to keep? or is this like a loaner program similar to what some hospitals offer?

Post all your knowledge/comments here!

racheltherose · January 2015

The one that was offered for free through my insurance really sucked, and the amount of money I would have paid for an upgrade was equal to what I found mine on Amazon for so I just bought it outright. I didn't like the fact that I would have had to wait until LO was born and I was in the hospital to get it (I realize I don't need it before he's here, but I like to have everything before hand) but it would have been mine to keep, not a rental. I know rentals are made so they are safe with multiple users, but I'd rather get a brand new one, personally.

jaztastic · January 2015

So here is the deal with mine... The one I registered for retails for about $270, Medela Pump In Style Advanced On the Go Tote. Through ACA I could get it as an upgrade for $99 (which to me is a steal). It ships to me as soon as all my insurance is processed and I pay the balance. And it is mine to keep.

I didnt really like the options for the freebies, but being a FTM I dont really know what Im talking about. I just assumed that if they retailed for cheap, I wouldnt like it.

Im just wondering if this is the case for everyone.

racheltherose · January 2015

I'm the same way, I always want the best option. I got the same pump as you, but they shipped me the one in the backpack instead of the tote. At first I was kinda pissed... but then I got over it and realized I like the backpack one. I'm a FTM myself, but it seems really nice and I know a lot of girl that used this model and LOVED it! (minus the noise, but what can you do?)

jaztastic · January 2015

Ellteejay said:

I got to choose between the Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breastpump Starter Set and the Ameda Purely Yours Dual Electric Personal Double Pump. I chose the Medela, since that was what I had been considering buying on my own. I also had two upgrade options, but they didn't entice me. They were Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breastpump Tote or Backpack ($95 upgrade charge) or Medela Freestyle Breast Pump - COMING SOON!! ($195 upgrade charge). I did mine through McKesson Patient Care Solutions, which I found on the BRU website. It was super easy, I called them, gave them my insurance info and email address, and they checked with the insurance company for me about what my options are. Then they emailed me, and the in about two emails and a prescription faxed from my MW to McKesson, I had a breast pump. It arrived a couple weeks ago. It's brand new and I get to keep it. Hopefully I'll like it. But yes, as of now, I am very satisfied!

THIS IS IT EXACTLY!!!! I used McKesson too. (and you are right its $95, not $99)

jaztastic · January 2015

racheltherose said:

I'm the same way, I always want the best option. I got the same pump as you, but they shipped me the one in the backpack instead of the tote. At first I was kinda pissed... but then I got over it and realized I like the backpack one. I'm a FTM myself, but it seems really nice and I know a lot of girl that used this model and LOVED it! (minus the noise, but what can you do?)

@racheltherose if you dont mind me asking how much was your upgrade? Or are you saying you found it on Amazon for $100?

jaztastic · January 2015

ChickenOnSunday said:

I'm pissed because I thought I would get two pumps as I'm double covered by my husband's insurance. Nope. United Healthcare is not being generous since they my secondary insurance.

Please feel sorry for me that I'm only getting one pump.

How dare you...You entitled selfish giblet

racheltherose · January 2015

jaztastic The upgrade I believe was the same as yours, $95. I paid $100 plus shipping because I think the girl mismarked it and I snatched it up before she could change it or she just really wanted to get rid of it. She said she bought it for herself, her milk never came in, so it just sat at her house unopened(everything was sealed, and originally taped) for a month. She sent me the extra accessories she had purchased for it too. I had a $100 amazon gift card, so really I paid $10 for shipping.

jaztastic · January 2015

racheltherose said:

jaztastic The upgrade I believe was the same as yours, $95. I paid $100 plus shipping because I think the girl mismarked it and I snatched it up before she could change it or she just really wanted to get rid of it. She said she bought it for herself, her milk never came in, so it just sat at her house unopened(everything was sealed, and originally taped) for a month. She sent me the extra accessories she had purchased for it too. I had a $100 amazon gift card, so really I paid $10 for shipping.

Gotcha!

thejollyrancher · January 2015

I used a manual pump last time and will be doing the same. Medela hand pump $40. I will be home with the little for a year at least so an electric would be a waste of money. Plus I don't like the feeling of electric pumps; makes me feel very uncomfortable like I'm a dairy cow or something... I think hospitals rent them out here, but I have no idea if insurance would cover the cost. I have never looked into it.

Angeldcf · January 2015

Ellteejay said:

I chose the Medela Starter Set, since that was what I had been considering buying on my own. I also had two upgrade options, but they didn't entice me. They were Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breastpump Tote or Backpack ($95 upgrade charge) or Medela Freestyle Breast Pump - COMING SOON!! ($195 upgrade charge).

Exact same thing here. I have my old Medela PISA + totebag from 2007 and received the Medela PISA starter kit for free w/insurance.

I learned they changed tubing in 2009 so my replacement tubing is difficult to find and the '07 was starting to sound like it was struggling.

triplej9 · January 2015

My insurance covered the Medela Pump in Style Advanced for free, so that is what I got.

In a dream world, I would have bought the Medela Freestyle pump (and I could have upgraded for it for $199.00) but I was more than happy that the Pump in Style advanced was fully covered. I did opt for an accessories upgrade to go along with my pump that was $39.99. It comes with extra tubing, membranes, bottles a tote and an insulated bag/ice pack - so it was a no brainer for me at that price.

My pump should be at my doorstep when I get home today, and it is mine to keep!

schnitz9 · January 2015

I just ordered mine. Got the madela In Style advanced starter set. They said that it just comes with the pump and 2 bottles. I have the tote bag and accessories on my registry and they are $99. However just saw on amazon the tote bag set for $71 today so I may get that. The pump was completely free and I get to keep it. I actually get a new one every 18 mo so for my next LO I can hopefully get a second pump.

chickyclg · January 2015

I got the Medela PIS free through my insurance, and it came in the mail yesterday. I am planning to buy a bag for it to keep me a little organized with all the different pump parts.

ETA this is what all I got with it.

jaztastic · January 2015

cougarette said:

My insurance reimburses the purchase of any brand, any style, purchased anywhere, up to $150. I found the medela pump in style advanced on amazon for $150.95. This was the starter one, so it didn't have the bag, but I found a bag with cooler and storage bottles on ebay for $45. So the total amount I paid out of pocket when all is said and done is $45.95!

@Cougarette Really? I imagine as long as you manufacture a legit receipt, not just a sign paper from a friend saying you bought a pump from them right?

cloe111479 · January 2015

I wish I could get one through my insurance. (grandfathered plan -- no pump coverage) I hope to find out a bit about renting the ones through the hospital tonight at the class.

schnitz9 · January 2015

chickyclg said:

I got the Medela PIS free through my insurance, and it came in the mail yesterday. I am planning to buy a bag for it to keep me a little organized with all the different pump parts.

Here's what I have on my registry. They have the messenger bag too but its $150. BTW did it come with a battery charger? They told me it may not and I would have to buy one...

ETA link: https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/704/breastpump-shoulder-bag

brij2006 · January 2015

I had the option between Medela PIS and Ameda Purely Yours. I chose the Medela. It was $0 cost to me for the pump, tubing, flanges, and 2 bottles. However, I could upgrade to having the bag and accessories for an additional $99. I chose not to and just used a BRU gift card from my shower to buy the little cooler thing that comes with 4 extra bottles for $25. I will likely buy some extra tubing and things for when I go back to work, but figure by then I will know whether or not BF works for me or not and then I will have minimal invested just in case it doesn't.

Valentino2013 · January 2015

My insurance covered 3 or 4 pumps from various medical suppliers (the sent me a list) and I looked them up to see which one to get. I wound up choosing the medela free style because:
It got great reviews
Had a double pump
Adjustable speed
Easy to get replacement parts
Lots of mommy friends recommended it.

The company I ordered from offered a bag and full set of extra parts for $55. The same package was $99 at BRU. It just came yesterday and I obviously haven't used it yet but so far I'm happy. The only thing I still need is more bottles/storage sleeves.

Edit: it's also mine to keep.

crispywheats · January 2015

I had several options through DH's Aetna insurance.

After a bunch of research, I went with the Medela Pump in Style Advance. The starter set was covered and I too opted for the $95 upgrade to the tote. Aetna also covers six storage bottles.

I went through Aeroflow and found the process to be super easy. I filled out the information on their site around Thanksgiving. I received an email from one of their reps explaining that with our insurance, they'd have to wait until two months before our EDD to process the claim. She called me on the appropriate day, confirmed my info, and we were good to go. Since I upgraded, they also included the replacement accessory package. Despite it being near the holidays everything arrived faster than they quoted.

chickyclg · January 2015

schnitz9 said:

chickyclg said:

I got the Medela PIS free through my insurance, and it came in the mail yesterday. I am planning to buy a bag for it to keep me a little organized with all the different pump parts.

Here's what I have on my registry. They have the messenger bag too but its $150. BTW did it come with a battery charger? They told me it may not and I would have to buy one...

ETA link: https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/704/breastpump-shoulder-bag

No I don't see one, looks like something I may need to buy.

jaztastic · January 2015

ChickenOnSunday said:

thejollyrancher said:

I used a manual pump last time and will be doing the same. Medela hand pump $40. I will be home with the little for a year at least so an electric would be a waste of money. Plus I don't like the feeling of electric pumps; makes me feel very uncomfortable like I'm a dairy cow or something... I think hospitals rent them out here, but I have no idea if insurance would cover the cost. I have never looked into it.

You must have really strong hands.

This immeditaely popped in my head...

)

ems0523 · January 2015

I wanted to get a hospital grade pump. After researching I decided on the Hygeia Enjoye. I reviewed all of the medical supply distributors my insurance company worked with and found one who carried the Hygeia. I ended up going with the Q rather than the Enjoye because of the $100 upgrade - which was only because of an internal rechargable battery otherwise they are the same pump. I received mine about a month ago. I have Medical Mutual insurance.

lulu783 · January 2015

MY Tufts HMO covered the Medela Pump in Style Advanced Tote. They weren't able to send it to me until the beginning of December.

thejollyrancher · January 2015

@ChickenOnSunday‌ I never thought of that, maybe I do... I didn't find it difficult to manual pump, but I did it only twice day maybe for the first 6 months, usually while occupying myself with some distraction. After that, the feelings were less frequent so I stopped pumping for the most part. Again, I wasn't pumping to cover for a full work shift away five days a week, just for a nightly feeding or a couple hours away from baby every once and a while.

michelle142 · January 2015

@Eliteejay thank you for mentioning McKesson! I just got the ball rolling with them to see if my insurance will cover a pump.

I have an Ameda Purely Yours Ultra pump from 2012, but I'm not sure how well it's going to perform after sitting in storage for 2 years! Doesn't hurt to have the free option if it's available I suppose. I was on the fence about looking into this since I already have one, so hopefully it doesn't seem like I'm taking advantage of the system

:-S

mands1125 · January 2015

I got the PIS advanced tote for an upgrade fee of like $65 or something like that. I could have gotten the PIS advanced sans tote though for free.

There were many options through my insurance (Aetna). I got it very quickly after I ordered it when I was like 16 weeks pregnant or something like that. Very simple process.

mle106 · January 2015

Thanks for reminding me to call my new insurance company about a pump! Totally forgot!

hollydenton · January 2015

I was able to get the Medela Pump in Style Advance through my insurance with no extra charge to me. It is the basic model without the tote or cooler, which is fine with me bc I'll be staying at home. I received it a little over a week ago and I'm not due until 2-6.

Mrs. Zee · January 2015

I am just curious for those of you that upgraded-was your insurance company or the medical supplier more helpful with this? I asked about upgrading when I called the insurance co. initially and the woman seemed to have no idea. I have to wait until the end of the month to order mine anyway.

mom2xover2002 · January 2015

Totally jealous of all of you who get a Breast pump through insurance. DH and I are going have to buy one or im going to have to check with the local WIC office about renting one.

Lrjjj08 · January 2015

My insurance covered the medela PISA starter set. I upgraded to the tote bag for $35, since I wanted the extra bottles and cooler/ice pack. I just had my ob fill out a form and I brought it right to the medical supply place near my house! It was way easier than I expected!! It is in the babies room waiting to be used.

jaztastic · January 2015

Mrs. Zee said:

I am just curious for those of you that upgraded-was your insurance company or the medical supplier more helpful with this? I asked about upgrading when I called the insurance co. initially and the woman seemed to have no idea. I have to wait until the end of the month to order mine anyway.

The upgrade was handled through the supplier. I haven't spoken with my insurance company at all.

smg2302 · January 2015

My insurance covered the pump in style backpack with a note from the dr as no substitution. Originally they only covered a cheaper one. I have AvMed and they have already shipped it right tony door for $0 copay

flyster · January 2015

I just called today to find out what the deal is, and was referred to 3 websites that are contracted with my insurance company. At first glance it looks like there are a bunch of options, but all retail grade, not hospital. I can get one pump every 36 months, mine to keep, and I just order on whichever website and they bill insurance directly. This weekend I plan to decide what to get.

Mrs. Zee · January 2015

Thanks, Jaz, I was a little concerned when the insurance lady didn't seem to know anything about it

freegiraffe · January 2015

My insurance covered the Medela PISA or the Ameda, I can't remember which model. I chose the Medela. They didn't mention an upgrade option so I registered for the accessory kit with tote bag and cooler for $99. The pump was on my doorstep 5 days after I called the medical supply company.

twinklymama · January 2015

Thanks for the thread and all the information!

I was told I had to wait until 30 days prior to EDD to place my order, but I'm thinking of going with the Medela Pump In Style. It doesn't include much more than the pump, flanges, tubing, and two bottles. I figure I'll have to just buy a cooler and some ice packs and if I end up using more often than I think, I'll get a second set of parts so I don't have to clean as often (although, I hear the best thing is to just put the parts in a ziploc in the fridge when you aren't using and just wash at the end of the day, instead of between each session).

DHarpster · January 2015

mom2xover2002 said:
Totally jealous of all of you who get a Breast pump through insurance. DH and I are going have to buy one or im going to have to check with the local WIC office about renting one.

I'm right there with you. They say it's not a medical necessity. I should probably start looking into what pump to buy..

kellym690 · January 2015

I upgraded to the Medela Freestyle with cooler bag and tote for $150 through my insurance. My OB-GYN actually submitted all my paperwork through aceleron medical products and my pump was shipped out to me exactly 60 days from my due date. Much easier that I expected.

shalay11 · January 2015

Ellteejay said:
I got to choose between the Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breastpump Starter Set and the
Ameda Purely Yours Dual Electric Personal Double Pump. I chose the Medela, since that was what I had been considering buying on my own.

I also had two upgrade options, but they didn't entice me. They were Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breastpump Tote or Backpack ($95 upgrade charge) or
Medela Freestyle Breast Pump - COMING SOON!! ($195 upgrade charge).

I did mine through McKesson Patient Care Solutions, which I found on the BRU website. It was super easy, I called them, gave them my insurance info and email address, and they checked with the insurance company for me about what my options are. Then they emailed me, and the in about two emails and a prescription faxed from my MW to McKesson, I had a breast pump.

It arrived a couple weeks ago. It's brand new and I get to keep it. Hopefully I'll like it. But yes, as of now, I am very satisfied!

I did this as well and got the same pump today in the mail.

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