https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:10:48 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-813493 Tue, 28 May 2013 14:25:44 +0000 lawbee11 813493@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bookworm: Awesome! Sounds like I got the same one--the guy gave me three choices: the double electric with complete kit, the double electric by itself, or a manual. He said all 3 were covered by insurance so I obviously chose the complete kit! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-813467 Tue, 28 May 2013 14:19:28 +0000 Bookish 813467@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lawbee11: I did! I got it in like 4 days, and it came exactly as described. It was actually more than I was expecting, I even got the carry case with it and a little cooler w/ice packs. I haven't used it yet, obvs, but so far, so good!! I'm glad yours is going smoothly so far! </p> <p>And total fail on my updating when I got it LOL... oops :p </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-813457 Tue, 28 May 2013 14:15:22 +0000 lawbee11 813457@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bookworm: Did you ever get your Ameda? I have BCBS Texas and just ordered my Ameda through Sterling this morning, and everything went smoothly over the phone. They said I should have the pump by the end of the week! Did everything end up working out with yours? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-759929 Fri, 03 May 2013 13:19:47 +0000 Vegmama 759929@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have Pacific Source, and here's the info: "Manual and electric breast pumps are covered at no cost per pregnancy when purchased or rented from a licensed provider, or purchased from a retail outlet. Hospital-grade pumps are excluded under preventive care and regular benefits." ... I had no idea of this! How exciting!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-759759 Fri, 03 May 2013 12:36:44 +0000 purrpletulips 759759@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have Humana HMO and they will cover up to $200 towards either rental of hospital grade or purchase price (has to be purchased through one of the network Durable Medical Equipment providers). My understanding is that there are some loopholes in the ACA because the university I work for opted out of the free birth control provision due to the nature of the policy they provide. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-759394 Fri, 03 May 2013 09:54:34 +0000 Bookish 759394@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Alivoo01: Of course! I went through Sterling Medical Services. I did have a problem with their billing department calling insurance and instead of talking to someone, going through the auto-menu and getting the wrong information on coverage. So yesterday I had to call BCBSTX and have them confirm the benefits. Other than that, it looks like they've shipped the pump. I'll try to remember to update when I get it (hopefully Monday) and let you know how it worked out! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-759371 Fri, 03 May 2013 09:48:00 +0000 Alivoo01 759371@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bookworm: Do you mind sharing who you used? I'd really appreciate it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-759306 Fri, 03 May 2013 09:19:50 +0000 Alivoo01 759306@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: Thanks for the info! I'll call my insurance carrier and see who they use for durable medical device suppliers and go from there. Hopefully I'll get a different response or see what the price is to upgrade to an electric pump! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-755412 Wed, 01 May 2013 18:53:03 +0000 jh524 755412@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>By the way, I had to call to find breast pumps from a list of in-network dme( durable medical equip) and I called every single one they gave me in which only one had breast pumps. I spend over 3 hrs figuring this out. The local one that had pumps tried to say they'd only pay for part and I'd have to "upgrade" and pay for the difference but that's not what my insurance said. I then said screw you....not literally... And ended up finding a in network dme out of state( with the help of a nice lady frm my insurance comp.) and got it covered full and it's being shipped to me as we speak...before the baby arrives!!!!! So excited!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-755406 Wed, 01 May 2013 18:46:08 +0000 jh524 755406@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have Regence blue shield, which come to find out is the best to have because they'll pay 100percent for a manual or dbl electric breast pump. Don't mean to toot my own horn...I think it's really unfair that not everyone is getting the same thing under this new act and that it's so freakin difficult and time consuming to get information about coverage. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-755299 Wed, 01 May 2013 17:20:38 +0000 Bookish 755299@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: Progress!! I spent over an hour on the phone with insurance and on the internet, and finally found a mail-order supplier that contracts with BCBSTX, and it was sooo easy once I got the right person on the phone! I'm getting a double electric Ameda pump becuase Medela's aren't covered (I didn't see the thing about upgrading before I called, but oh well!)</p> <p>They said it should be covered 100% with my dr's OK, but they will call me if there's any charge. Yay! Thanks for your answers! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-755283 Wed, 01 May 2013 17:10:35 +0000 Mrs D 755283@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>FYI - for those saying they are currently sold out - I asked the DME supplier about this. He said get my Rx asap from my Dr and they'll get me on the wait list. I explained that I was due in April and he said so long as I get him my Rx in May/June I should be more than fine to have it when baby comes! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-755280 Wed, 01 May 2013 17:07:16 +0000 Mrs D 755280@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Alivoo01: I called my insurance company (BCBS Michigan) and found my durable medical device supplier - who happens to be a company called Northwood. I called them and found what was covered under my plan. The woman from the supplier told me what was covered under my plan (single ameda electric pump) but said to go to my local supply store to inquire about upgrading. At the supply store (I stopped by but I couldve called) they told me I can upgrade to a double medela pump for approx $65-75.</p> <p>You may try just looking online for who your insurance company uses as a medical supplier because they may be able to tell you just as much without going through the hoops at insurance companies. Also, they can tell you about upgrade options?!</p> <p>I have to have an Rx saying I need a pump - my Dr says this is something they write for all new moms planning to bf - and a proof of live birth. So I will be using/renting the ones in the hospital and the day we leave we'll pick up my pump. The supply store will order it for me with only the Rx but I cant pick it up until I have the proof of birth.</p> <p>Hope you get some good answers! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-755257 Wed, 01 May 2013 16:54:35 +0000 Bookish 755257@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm going to bump this because some of the posters have BCBS TX. My plan is saying I have coverage for an electric pump if it's billed by a provider or DME supplier. Does anyone know of any online suppliers that contract with BCBS, or have any idea where else I can get one? Maybe through the hospital? All the stores in town either don't sell them or don't sell the ones that are covered. I'm so annoyed by this whole process! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-514997 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 13:54:02 +0000 78h2o 514997@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I has BCBS PPO until the baby was born (when I switched to my husband's plan). They said they would cover a Manuel or electric rental from a specific company. My husband has BCBS federal... as a PP said, they cover an Ameda Manuel or electric once each year you are bf'ing. It came about 2 weeks after I ordered it and 150 storage bags were included. I think they said I can get more bags 3x per year.</p> <p>It's really annoying how different various plans can be. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-514985 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 13:38:01 +0000 allison 514985@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have BCBS in North Carolina. They cover manual and electric, as well as rentals, but you have to find a DME provider that has what you want. Problem is, because EVERYONE is trying to get pumps right now, most of the companies I've talked to aren't even taking orders right now. BCBS told me they are required to offer the benefit, but not the actual pump. So basically I'm SOL.</p> <p>I hope it works out better for you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-514948 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 12:46:42 +0000 matador84 514948@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lawbee11 yup, I'm BCBS tx too and no pump here either. Lame! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-514946 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 12:44:02 +0000 autumnlove 514946@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Alivoo01: I have Kaiser! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-514944 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 12:41:47 +0000 lawbee11 514944@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: @Alivoo01: I got a response from BCBS Texas and it says they will only cover manual pumps. Boo! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-513404 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:12:50 +0000 CarrieLouWho 513404@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Alivoo01 - I called customer service, told them I was calling about the BP coverage for the Affordable Care Act and specifically asked if they had limits to what they covered, for example manual vs. electric, rental vs. owning the pump. She said as long as I could locate an In-Network DME provider that sold what I was looking for it was covered.<br /> I have not submitted the claim or anything yet since it's not in stock, so we'll see. </p> <p>I work in insurance and I think I may know why there is a discrepancy. While they may all be BCBS plans, they are all operated regionally. So mine is out of GA since my employer is headquartered there. I think they probably cover things differently since they operate independently from each other and just use each other for PPO network access for out of area members. That's my guess. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-513335 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 13:49:46 +0000 tororojo 513335@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a BCBS PPO and they keep telling us different things about what they cover--the latest update is they'll pay for a rental only. But we can't find a supplier that offers rentals on the list the gave us, so...I don't know what we're gonna do. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-513017 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:33:03 +0000 Alivoo01 513017@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lawbee11: That'd be great!! I'll try to find sometime to call customer service today and see if I get a different response. *fingers crossed*</p> <p>@Foodnerd81: I have PPO on my BCBS plan as well. Hope you receive a better response than I have so far! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-512989 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:28:29 +0000 Foodnerd81 512989@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Alivoo01: I have Horizon BCBS. I just emailed them to see what they cover. I purposely got the most expensive plan this year (PPO) but I don't actually think that will make a difference. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-512984 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:27:16 +0000 Mrs. Blue 512984@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Alivoo01: I have the federal government BCBS, and they cover an Ameda double electric on my plan. I'm surprised there is so much discrepancy, but I guess it's somewhat understandable since BCBS plans' coverage can be so different. I would definitely try calling customer service to make sure. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-512978 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:26:09 +0000 lawbee11 512978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Alivoo01: Wow! You got a response quickly! I have BCBS, too. I got a response yesterday that just said my request had been forwarded to the appropriate department. I'll let you know what they say once I hear from them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-512957 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:19:09 +0000 Alivoo01 512957@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@autumnlove: Who's your insurance carrier, if you don't mind me asking. I'm really disappointed that mine only covers a manual pump!! I'm going to try and call customer service and see if I get a difference response.</p> <p>@CarrieLouWho: I have BCBS. I wonder why such a large discrepancy between the two! Did you call and inquire or how did you go about contacting your insurance provider about coverage for your Medela pump? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-512938 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:11:47 +0000 CarrieLouWho 512938@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield - they require that you get it from an in-network Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider. As long as you can find a DME provider that will provide breast pumps, that will cover the full cost. </p> <p>Anthem also stated that you get the pump at any time as long as you had "recently" given birth. Essentially, they wouldn't give you one if you have a 2 year old. I asked if I was eligible even though I had my baby in October on a different insurance plan and they said yes. </p> <p>I was able to find a DME place today that sells the Medela Pump in Style Advance. They have a one week wait, so hopefully I'll have it next week. Now I'll have one for home and one for work and I won't have to lug it bag and forth every day! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-512885 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 10:59:09 +0000 spaniellove 512885@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My plan also requires me to prove a pump is medically necessary and then they'll cover a rental. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-512861 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 10:46:46 +0000 Phillybaby2013 512861@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Each insurance company is different. They just have to provide some type of coverage for something. Mine only covers the rental of hospital grade pump with a prescription which is probably the least amount they have to do. Some girls are really making out great but it really all depends on your carrier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/affordable-care-act-amp-breast-pump-coverage#post-512824 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 10:31:31 +0000 autumnlove 512824@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My plan only covers a manual pump! :-( </p>