Insurance Breast Pumps for Nursing Mothers: Everything You Need to Know

Breastfeeding can be a rewarding experience for both the mother and the baby. However, not all nursing mothers are able to directly feed their babies. Some have to rely on breast pumps to express breast milk. Fortunately, health insurance plans can help cover the cost of breast pumps. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about insurance breast pumps.

What is an Insurance Breast Pump?

An insurance breast pump is a breast pump that is covered by health insurance plans. In 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandated that health insurance plans provide coverage for lactation support and breast pumps. This means that most health insurance plans now cover the cost of breast pumps. However, the type and extent of coverage may vary depending on your insurance provider and plan.

If you are planning to use an insurance breast pump, it’s important to check your health insurance plan to see what is covered. Some insurance plans cover only manual breast pumps, while others cover electric breast pumps. Some plans may cover the rental of a hospital-grade breast pump, while others may cover only the purchase of a personal breast pump.

Types of Insurance Breast Pumps

There are two main types of insurance breast pumps: manual and electric. Manual breast pumps are operated by hand, and are typically less expensive than electric breast pumps. Electric breast pumps are powered by electricity and can be further classified into single or double electric breast pumps.

Single electric breast pumps are designed to express milk from one breast at a time, while double electric breast pumps can express milk from both breasts simultaneously. Double electric breast pumps are often more efficient and can save time for mothers who need to express milk frequently.

How to Get an Insurance Breast Pump

To get an insurance breast pump, you will need a prescription from your healthcare provider. The prescription should include the type of breast pump you need (manual or electric), as well as any accessories that may be necessary (such as breast shields or tubing).

Once you have a prescription, you can contact your insurance provider to find out what breast pump options are covered under your plan. Some insurance providers may work with specific durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers to provide breast pumps to their customers.

Where to Get an Insurance Breast Pump

There are several options for getting an insurance breast pump. You can get an insurance breast pump from a DME supplier that works with your insurance provider. Some DME suppliers may offer a range of breast pump options, including manual and electric breast pumps.

You can also get an insurance breast pump from a pharmacy that participates in your insurance plan. Many pharmacies now offer breast pump rental services or sell personal breast pumps that are covered by insurance.

FAQ

1. How often can I get a new insurance breast pump?

This may vary depending on your insurance provider and plan. Some insurance providers may cover a new breast pump every year, while others may cover a new breast pump only once during the course of breastfeeding.

2. How soon can I get an insurance breast pump?

You can get an insurance breast pump as soon as you have a prescription from your healthcare provider. Some insurance providers may require pre-authorization before providing coverage for a breast pump.

3. Can I get a hospital-grade breast pump through insurance?

Some insurance plans may cover the rental of a hospital-grade breast pump if it is deemed medically necessary. However, most insurance plans cover personal breast pumps.

4. Can I choose any breast pump I want?

Most insurance plans have a list of covered breast pumps. You may be able to choose a breast pump from this list or from a preferred provider. If you choose a breast pump that is not covered by your insurance plan, you may have to pay out of pocket.

5. Can I get a breast pump after the birth of my child?

Yes, you can get an insurance breast pump after the birth of your child. Many insurance plans cover breast pumps for up to one year after the birth of the child.

Conclusion

If you are a nursing mother who needs to use a breast pump, it’s important to know that insurance plans can help cover the cost. With the right prescription and a little research into your insurance plan, you can get an insurance breast pump that meets your needs. Whether you choose a manual or electric breast pump, or a personal or hospital-grade breast pump, the most important thing is that you can continue to provide your baby with the benefits of breast milk.