I had my first child a little over three years ago, and successfully breastfed him for the majority of his first year. Since then, the Affordable Healthcare Act has been passed. My understanding is that under the Act, insurance now covers breast pumps and pumping supplies. I am pregnant again, and I still have a great pump to use with my 2nd child. However, I'm wondering what "supplies" are covered by insurance. Has anyone had recent experience with this? If so, can you tell me what your insurance covered, i.e. milk storage bags, etc.
Every state has different things added or taken away from these things even though they may come off as national things. It is best to go to the website and see it in writing. I have had people tell me all sorts of things and it be wrong. If it's in black and white you can prove to a claim person who is denying something that it is supposed to be covered if it's in writing on their own website.
The ACA only sets minimum standards, so another reason to check with your customer service number is that you may have more coverage than the ACA requires.
No reason to replace a working pump that you know you used successfully, even if it's covered - assuming you can get all the other things you need from the same manufacturer. If not and you need to get a whole new set, you can always sell the old one or donate it to a woman's shelter.
Congratulations on your new baby!
Nothing wrong with reusing a pump...
Get your insurance card out of your wallet...look at the back and see the number for customer service? Call it. They may even have a link to their website....pull it up...Find out what they cover. That's the ONLY way you will know what YOUR insurance covers.
With the insurance I had with my former employer, when my son was born, they did not cover a pump so that is new. However, when I needed a new one (old one died when I had just a month or so left), it would have been covered for the pump itself up to a certain amount. Wish I had known, They would not have covered bags and other supplies. Each insurance is different and you should check with the one you have.
Insurance always covered a pump. Don't know about supplies. This is nothing new
the ACA gives a bottom line for what insurers MUST provide, it doesn't dictate the minutiae of each individual policy. you've got to call your insurance company to find that out.
khairete
S.
Check with your insurance company to see what your policy covers.
My oldest is a little over 3 too, and baby is a month old. My insurance this time around (BCBS of OK) bought me a new breastpump, and would cover lactation consultants and classes. I didn't need the consultant or classes, and getting the pump was a breeze. I called customer service and they gave me the name and number for the medical supply company they used. I went the their website, filled out a form online, and got my pump! All I needed was a prescription from my OB, which they got for me. Congrats on your new little one!
From healthcare.gov:
"What are my breastfeeding benefits?
The health care law requires most health insurance plans to provide breastfeeding equipment and counseling for pregnant and nursing women"
Call YOUR customer service number and ASK.
It's covered under "durable medical goods" so picking up supplies at Babies R Us probably not an option.
You're saving a LOT of money by breast feeding.
The pump itself is covered (even though you don't need a new O.) so I wouldn't be so concerned about the supplies!
Call YOUR provider for specifics.
Good luck!
