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August 2015 Moms
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Insurance won't cover breast pump

desertmama2desertmama2 member
in August 2015 Moms
I'm fuming! I just found out our "large group" insurance was able to opt out of pump coverage. Basically if DH worked for a small employer we'd be gravy but because he works for a major university we get squat. Really struggling to understand that logic. :( Rant over!
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Re: Insurance won't cover breast pump

  • WeringWering member
    If you have an FSA/HSA, a breast pump should be an eligible expense, so you should be able to get it tax-free, at least.

    If you do NOT have an FSA/HSA, keep track of your medical expenses from 2015, INCLUDING ALL BREASTFEEDING SUPPLIES. If your medical expenses exceed a certain amount (I think it's 7.5 or 10% of total income), you can write it off on your taxes.

    Just a couple of thoughts on how to make it better. Sorry this is happening to you; I thought all were covered. One thing I'll mention - don't skimp on your pump if you intend to nurse long-term or pump for your LO while you are at work. A good pump (Medela or Ameda) will make a MAJOR difference. 

    Maybe you can use a completion coupon or 20% off at BabiesRUs?
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  • desertmama2desertmama2 member
    Thank you for all the ideas!!!
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  • Perfect SonnetPerfect Sonnet member
    I have been surprised that people have theirs covered.  Mine wasn't and I don't know anyone personally who has had theirs covered.  I agree to not skimp on the pump though, and try to use your completion or a 20% Buy Buy Baby coupon on one. I just count this as one of the things (including stroller, car seat, etc.) that is going to cost some money. 


     

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  • kelseyrayaykelseyrayay member
    I got one on sale at target!! I had a similar problem as well. Luckily for me my parents bought it for me. It was $100 and it has a monitor and it can mimic the motion of baby breast feeding and such! Very cool to me. I'm actually excited to use it :D
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  • ChanelLovesBChanelLovesB member
    edited July 2015
    @Perfect Sonnet who is your ins provider ? Asking Bc MOST ppl I know have had theirs covered. It's interesting how some providers are offering and others aren't. I got the Medela PNS no charge with UHC.

    @desertmama2 save everything and write it off. I wish all ins co would get the memo. Breast pumps are needed!
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  • emmacake08emmacake08 member
    Since you probably have to buy, the price out of pocket versus insurance is different. I picked mine up that was covered and it was billed for $250. This is the exact pump I was given with the exact accessories and it's only $129. Make sure whatever you choose to get a double electric so you can pump both breasts at the same time. Sorry your insurance didn't cover it.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IJJRVR4/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1438281653&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&keywords=medela+double+electric+breastpump&dpPl=1&dpID=41YHo07tsTL&ref=plSrch
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  • sandrabrookesandrabrooke member
    I actually know most people that got theirs covered, from all walks of life.  Some on big corporate plans, some on small plans, some on non-profit plans, some on medicaid, stuff like that.  I'd always try to go through Target or something first.  See if there agents can get a confirmation of what is covered and what isn't.  I got differing results when talking to different people, but ultimately got a free medela.  (i DID upgrade to a more expensive model...but i could get the base model for free)
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  • lisadonnalleylisadonnalley member
    It is federal law that health insurance cover breast pumps. Call your insurance carrier, tell them they are in direct violation of the Affordable Care Act and ask what they can do to help resolve the issue. Some ins companies will only cover manual pumps, or may have restrictions but by federal law they must cover a type of pump.
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  • desertmama2desertmama2 member
    From what I've been reading this is an oversimplification - large groups that were grandfathered in still have the right to opt out.
    :(
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  • sjra1028sjra1028 member
    If you lived close I'd give you 1 of mine! I have two, 1 of which I NEVER use bc the hospital gave me another 1 that I like better. I'm also renting a hospital grade 1. Sooo I technically have 3.
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  • sandrabrookesandrabrooke member
    desertmama2 said:
    From what I've been reading this is an oversimplification - large groups that were grandfathered in still have the right to opt out. :(

    Yeah unfortunately many were grandfathered in.  It's just some like to pretend they were grandfathered in and some dont so its always good to do research.  But if you want to pump and can't get it covered, definitely invest in a good system!!!
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  • eiliev88eiliev88 member
    Same here. My company was grandfathered in and so they will not cover. I have called many times and even spoke with a manager but they all kept saying the same thing so I gave up and purchased one.
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