Breast pumps and insurance

Thu Jan 03, 2013 2:23 pm

Just read that part of Obamacare requires private insurance providers to cover breast pumps without a copay or deductable.

Pretty excited to cross that item off of my list, they are expensive!

Thu Jan 03, 2013 2:55 pm

I think this is so great!! Obamacare may have it's flaws, but this is a great benefit.

I fear that some insurances will give a hard time if the doc does not "prescribe it" or say it's medically necessary (like you have a normal newborn and not a premie (most insurances already cover one for premies)) - BUT in my experience, any doc would do the documentation needed to get it covered for you.


Also - I wonder what's "covered" - if they're going to start shelling out breast pumps, I fear they may not be the best quality (not that everyone needs "best"- it totally depends on your needs - I was just fine with my single manual with Lillian, but with Amelia I upgraded to a double Medela and OMG - what a difference!) Any way - just my random thoughts about it. haha

Missi Beth

Lillian Faye 11/6/06
Amelia Wren 8/6/11
Baby #3 due 7/2/13

Thu Jan 03, 2013 3:43 pm

I'm an epic fail at breastfeeding. I just can't produce milk, and I tried everything. I even got the electric double Medela but still did not work for me.

DD 12 yrs old

Thu Jan 03, 2013 3:52 pm

I looked it up on the United Healthcare site- it said it had to be from an approved provider (I imagine they'll want me to get it through the hospital) and that if more than one pump fit my needs I would have to go with the cheaper one.

What confused me is that it also said that the start and duration of the rental time was at their discretion, as well as the decision to rent or purchase.

I am thinking, though, if I say I am going to pump for a year (which I did with all four previous babies) then they have to get me a pump for a year, right? And if I do need it for a year, it would obviously be cheaper to buy it than rent. I don't know if you need a doctors note or 'prescription'.

I am going to call UHC later for clarification. For the last four kids, though, I just had a hand pump and managed to make it work, so anything they would provide would be a huge bonus for me.

Thu Jan 03, 2013 3:53 pm

That is great news about the coverage for breast pumps! And I'm with Missi Beth, hopefully if it came down to need a prescription for one, any doctor or midwife would gladly write out the RX.

I had the electric double Medela pump and it was a lifesaver! My daughter would latch on but not stay latched, so after 2 1/2 months of nursing, I started relying on my pump to produce the breastmilk for her. That allowed us to exclusively breastfeed for another 2 months. My pump worked miracles :-)

Whitney

Thu Jan 03, 2013 3:54 pm

I called Cigna, my provider, and my insurance covers it at 100%. It does have to be through an approved provider, however, I already found one and it is the Medela Pump in Style! I was also told that an RX was not necessary. Great pump and it is FREE to me! This is great news!!!!

Missing our Angel Baby - 03/2010
Expecting our IVF Miracle!




kristinbzcl@gmail.com
July 2013 DDC Board Leader

Thu Jan 03, 2013 4:36 pm

I work for one of the largest hospital systems and my insurance company does not cover breast pumps! Boo! I'll have to look into the obamacare thing.

Thu Jan 03, 2013 4:53 pm

I work for one of the largest hospital systems and my insurance company does not cover breast pumps! Boo! I'll have to look into the obamacare thing.

Part of it is that your insurance MUST cover it as of Jan 1, 2013. Here's a little blog article..http://www.mommyish.com/2013/01/02/breast-pump-insurance-breastfeeding/

It's covered under the new Affordable Care Act. Look it up!

Missi Beth

Lillian Faye 11/6/06
Amelia Wren 8/6/11
Baby #3 due 7/2/13

Thu Jan 03, 2013 11:20 pm

This post just made my day. I rarely used mine with my son (he wouldnt touch a bottle) so I sold it. This little one is getting used to a bottle in addition to breast feeding.

M: 10/2006
H: 12/2009
#3
our littlest man

Fri Jan 04, 2013 9:13 am

I have a pump, but that is so awesome to know! Go Obama! I will be spreading the word.

Fri Jan 04, 2013 11:26 am

Ooooh, Kristin I was just going to say, I came across this information yesterday and I need to call Cigna and find out what the deal is - so thanks for posting!

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Every good and perfect gift is from above...

Thu Jan 17, 2013 6:20 pm

Just called my insurance (BCBS of AL) and my contract did NOT elect to pick up these reforms. Boooo!! No free pump for me! I work for Auburn University and we are self-insured, so I'm wondering if that has something to do with it?? I know all private insurance has to provide for it, but I'm thinking the self-insured part is what gets us. We, as a university, choose what to cover I guess. BOO on us! I'm part of a campus employee government group - I wonder if I can get this changed!!!