Breastpump Insurance: How to Get a Breast Pump Covered by Insurance

If you’re a new mom, you may be wondering how to get a breast pump covered by insurance. The good news is that many insurance companies now cover the cost of breast pumps. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about breast pump insurance, including how to get a breast pump covered by insurance, what types of breast pumps are covered, and answers to frequently asked questions about breast pump insurance.

What is Breast Pump Insurance?

Breast pump insurance is a benefit offered by many health insurance plans that covers the cost of a breast pump. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that all health insurance plans in the United States cover the cost of a breast pump, either by providing a breast pump directly to the mother or by covering the cost of a rental breast pump.

If you’re not sure whether your health insurance plan covers breast pumps, you should contact your insurance company and ask. Breast pump coverage varies by insurance plan, so it’s important to know the specifics of your plan.

Types of Breast Pumps Covered by Insurance

There are several types of breast pumps that are covered by insurance, including:

Type of Breast Pump
Description
Manual Breast Pump
A hand-operated pump that requires the mother to manually pump milk from her breasts.
Electric Breast Pump
An electric pump that pumps milk from the mother’s breasts using a motorized pump.
Double Electric Breast Pump
An electric breast pump that pumps milk from both breasts at the same time.

Most insurance plans cover the cost of a standard electric breast pump. However, some plans may only cover the cost of a manual breast pump or a rental breast pump. If you need a specific type of breast pump, you should check with your insurance company to see what types of breast pumps are covered under your plan.

How to Get a Breast Pump Covered by Insurance

If your insurance plan covers breast pumps, you can usually get a breast pump covered by following these steps:

  1. Check with your insurance company to see what types of breast pumps are covered under your plan.
  2. Contact a durable medical equipment (DME) supplier to get a breast pump. Your insurance company may have a list of approved DME suppliers.
  3. Get a prescription for a breast pump from your doctor.
  4. Submit a claim to your insurance company, including the prescription and the receipt or invoice from the DME supplier.

Once your claim is approved, your breast pump will be shipped directly to you or you can pick it up at a local DME supplier.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Pump Insurance

Q: How often can I get a breast pump covered by insurance?

A: Most insurance plans cover the cost of a breast pump once every three years. However, some plans may cover the cost of a breast pump more frequently. You should check with your insurance company to see how often you can get a breast pump covered under your plan.

Q: Can I get a breast pump covered by insurance before my baby is born?

A: Yes, many insurance plans allow you to get a breast pump covered before your baby is born. However, you may need a prescription from your doctor to do so. You should check with your insurance company to see what the requirements are for getting a breast pump covered before your baby is born.

Q: Can I get a breast pump covered by insurance if I’m exclusively breastfeeding?

A: Yes, you can still get a breast pump covered by insurance even if you’re exclusively breastfeeding. A breast pump can be helpful for relieving engorgement, maintaining milk supply, and allowing someone else to feed your baby if needed.

Q: Can I choose any breast pump I want?

A: No, your insurance plan may only cover certain types and brands of breast pumps. You should check with your insurance company to see what types and brands of breast pumps are covered under your plan.

Q: What if I have trouble getting my insurance company to cover the cost of a breast pump?

A: If you’re having trouble getting your insurance company to cover the cost of a breast pump, you can file a complaint with your state’s insurance department. You can also contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) for assistance.

Overall, breast pump insurance can be a valuable benefit for new moms. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can get a breast pump covered by insurance and enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding while still being able to be away from your baby when needed.