https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 29 Apr 2026 02:49:50 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1183814 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 08:32:06 +0000 purrpletulips 1183814@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would get the policy in writing. Especially if you are considering renting a hospital grade and buying one. My insurance company would cover the cost of a pump up to $250 from one of their authorized distributor OR they would cover a hospital rental for 3 months. I could only choose one of those options, if I went with the hospital rental I was on my own for a personal pump after the rental term was over. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1183659 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 07:47:02 +0000 looch 1183659@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: oh well that just sucks! Mine is very clear, it has its own category in the plan paperwork. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1182447 Tue, 29 Oct 2013 14:48:52 +0000 mrsjyw 1182447@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The freestyle was great during maternity leave, but as a WOHM the medela dbl electric (that i got free from ins) is my GO TO pump. the wall plug power is unbeatable (similar to PISA). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1182440 Tue, 29 Oct 2013 14:47:38 +0000 ShootingStar 1182440@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everyone, the feedback was really helpful. At this point I'm leaning towards getting the Freestyle still. My goal is to BF until March, which will involve pumping at work for at least 2.5 months and I think I should just commit to it and give myself the best chance at succeeding.</p> <p>I have just been reluctant to go gung-ho about BF-ing because I had a friend who got PPD due to her inability to BF, and all the similar stories I've seen here. I haven't really wanted to put a huge amount of pressure on myself, but that's different then just expecting to fail from the start, which I've been doing.</p> <p>@looch: I actually yelled at the rep on the phone because it's not listed specifically anywhere except a vague reference under Durable Medical Equipment that says they pay for the least expensive option, and that goes for any type of equipment. There's nothing about pump rentals or which pumps are covered. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1180831 Tue, 29 Oct 2013 06:27:29 +0000 looch 1180831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Look online, the policies are pretty clearly written out and that's the standard. My insurance would only cover a rental, not a straight out purchase. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1180796 Tue, 29 Oct 2013 04:04:18 +0000 Purpledaisy 1180796@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I voted freestyle. I have one and I love it and it's so portable it's worth it if you think you're going to pump at work. If you have the $100 I would say just buy it and be done. I stressed a lot about what pump to get and I wish that I had just started out with the freestyle. You could always sell it if for some reason breastfeeding doesn't work out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1180716 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 23:30:36 +0000 indi 1180716@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: Very frustrating! </p> <p>I'd call back one more time, and ask for their policy and then get that person's name and extension # so you can refer back to the time/date/person you talked to if there's an issue. </p> <p>As to where you stand now, I'd probably compare the options you do have available and go with whatever you find is best and pay that difference (as lame as that is!). I know my friends overwhelmingly recommended the PISA and I ended up going with that one.</p> <p>Another avenue to try, for those who have "grandfathered" plans or those whose policies try to get by the ACA requirements that kicked in last year by just offering a manual single pump, is to ask about if an electric/double electric breast pump falls under your Durable Medical Equipment policy if purchased from a DME provider. That's how I ended up with mine at 20% cost to me. They were "covered" by giving me the option of a single pump, but I could get a double electric of my choice through a DME for my 80/20 split, without a prescription and before delivery. Isn't 100% covered like the ACA hoped to provide (just the manual pump was), but 20% is much better than full price. Can't hurt to ask! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1180675 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 22:46:25 +0000 wheres_c 1180675@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I rented an ameda hospital grade, then bought an ameda purely yours. I really liked the purely yours </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1180637 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 22:07:16 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 1180637@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@futuremama: @lilteacherbee: I was told my plan was also grandfathered (I'm on BCBS through my husband at a university) and they didn't have to provide pump coverage. They also said perhaps, maybe, someday that would change - but not likely. So I paid full price :( I wonder if that will change in 2014? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1180332 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 19:18:44 +0000 MrsH 1180332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The medela basic pump I got is actually really nice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1180252 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 18:48:16 +0000 lilteacherbee 1180252@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@futuremama: I know the state teachers insurance was grandfathered in sometime in the past regarding the pumps. I think you're right though- the new coverage may start in 2014, but my baby will be here in a couple weeks! Still though, if it changes in Jan, maybe I can get a pump then? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1180236 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 18:38:59 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1180236@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I got the same run around with my insurance. It was one of the most frustrating experiences ever. I did end up getting the Ameda Purely Yours and heard good things. I never used it though because I had my old PISA from my first pregnancy...</p> <p>I voted to get the Ameda Purely Yours if it's 100% covered by insurance. The 2nd option would be to get the PISA for $50... it is an AWESOME pump... and has lasted me through 2 children! I paid full price but feel I got my money's worth on that one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1180215 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 18:30:18 +0000 futuremama 1180215@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lilteacherbee: I could be wrong, but I thought that under the Affordable Care Act, all health insurance companies had to provide some type of coverage for breast pumps and lactation services, even if very basic. It may not start until 2014, but maybe there's still hope!</p> <p>Thanks for the reminder. I need to call my provider and get an idea of what they'll cover! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1180153 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 18:10:53 +0000 mrs. wagon 1180153@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This happened to me too. I actually got a prescription for a pump from my ob and the insurance directed me to the medical supply place, etc. Explained that the Pisa was free and the freestyle was an up charge. I picked it up and never even swiped a card.</p> <p>Fast forward like 5 months later and I receive a bill in the mail from the medical supply place for $75!! Apparently the Pisa wasn't fully covered. Yet they let me pick it up..? I haven't paid it yet and I'm not even using it anymore... So frustrating. I know I have to talk to the insurance company and I'm putting it off.</p> <p>On that note, I would rent the pump and wait on purchasing one. You don't want to pay and then realize you can't even use it. Some people need to continue with the hospital grade one. And you may decide not to pump at all. </p> <p>At least it's somewhat covered. Just a few years ago everyone had to pay $300 or so for theirs! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1180047 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 17:36:52 +0000 MoonMoon 1180047@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had similar options-my insurance covered roughly up to $173 so my options were basic. I have the Ameda Purely Yours, and it works fine for my needs! But because you're worried about establishing/maintaining breastfeeding due to a high-stress job, I think a hospital grade pump would really help you. You could establish a supply and even get a stash going in the 3 months it's free, then reevaluate and decide if you want to continue, which pump you want. What do you have to lose? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1179984 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 16:54:13 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 1179984@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would call back and ask to speak to a supervisor, then get the policy in writing. It's not about the money; it's the principal that the insurance companys CSRs job is to correctly interpret the benefits... And they didn't. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1179983 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 16:52:20 +0000 JoJoGirl 1179983@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I has the same options. I chose the $100 Freestyle for mobility. Love it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1179954 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 16:33:05 +0000 autumnlove 1179954@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The Ameda is a great pump. I would get that one if you can get it for free under your plan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1179946 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 16:30:39 +0000 Bluebonnet 1179946@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I voted free hospital pump for three months, then buy a subsidized pump.</p> <p>I am a WOHM and EBFed for a year. I LOVED my Freestyle and would recommend it to anyone. If you're not sure how committed you are to breastfeeding, I'd suggest you see how it goes and use the hospital grade pump at first. </p> <p>You might become very committed to breastfeeding, you may decide its not for you. This way you aren't paying a bunch of money for something that you might need and might use. If you are committed to breastfeeding and you're a WOHM, the $100 for a Freestyle is absolutely worth it!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1179911 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 16:17:43 +0000 lilteacherbee 1179911@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have any advice, just commiserating about breast pumps as well. I thought ours would be covered under insurance since we have BCBS and I knew they covered it. Well apparently, the specific BCBS plan for state teachers doesn't cover them....at all. Just another thing teachers are screwed for in my state (as well as being #49 for pay in the country). Woohoo :)</p> <p>I'm planning on getting a cheaper one until I know breast feeding will work out. I really want the PISA though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1179893 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 16:12:18 +0000 Foodnerd81 1179893@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had the exact same options and up charge. The way I understand it the basic medela and the Pisa are exactly the same pump, but the Pisa has a battery option, cooler bag, and "stylish" carrying case. The basic comes in a tan bag that has a cooler section in it but it's oddly shaped and I've never stores bottles in it, but actual motor is just as good. I got the basic bc I'm sahm so I figured it didn't matter but the battery option and the more convenient case might be nice. I heard mixed things about the freestyle suction but you cannot beat the convenience. If you think you might be pumping in different places and stuff that might be worth the extra money? </p> <p>The few times I've travelled with my pump I ended up bring the pump bag in another tote so I could keep all the parts in a separate ziplock. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1179885 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 16:08:20 +0000 MamaBehr 1179885@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I voted for the Freestyle. I wish my insurance would do that, they are "Grandfathered" in and so I don't get anything. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1179838 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 15:45:24 +0000 Charm54 1179838@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>$50 PISA sounds like a great deal for this Canadian mom who paid over $200 for hers! I'm not sure how long I'll keep up with pumping (I EP) but I love mine and it has held up incredibly well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1179835 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 15:42:54 +0000 DillonLion 1179835@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We rented one from the hospital and then got the basic medela. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1179830 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 15:41:18 +0000 Trailmix 1179830@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have the basic Medela pump you mentioned and I think it's great! I would do that if it's free. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1179822 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 15:38:30 +0000 Cara M. 17 1179822@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: That stinks that you are getting so many different answers! It's great that they're willing to cover a double electric pump though. My only option was the Ameda Purely Yours so that's what I will be trying first. It's pretty basic but I was able to get a bag and it's compatible with the medela bottles also. What's the difference with the free medela? Does it come with a bag or accessories? If not and you'll he pumping at work you may want to spend the $50 to get one that comes with the gear you'll need to pump at work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/really-annoyed-with-health-ins-about-breast-pumps-gt#post-1179811 Mon, 28 Oct 2013 15:34:46 +0000 ShootingStar 1179811@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have called my health insurance 3 different times about breast pumps and gotten 3 different varying responses. The first time I called at the beginning of pregnancy they said I needed to wait until after birth to get one. The 2nd time I called a few weeks ago and I was told I could get one right away, and which medical supply stores I could contact, and that ANY one was covered - which was the reason why I was calling. </p> <p>So today I go to put in my order, and they tell me the pump I picked out is a $100 up-charge. I was like WTF? After calling my health insurance AGAIN they told me that they basically pay for the cheapest one possible from each supply store. Nice, huh?</p> <p>At this point I'm not really sure what to do. I have no idea if I'll be successful with breastfeeding and my goal is just to make it to around 4.5 months. I have a job where on some days I can be extremely busy and booked all day, and don't have the ability to leave to go to the Mother's room. So I'm not sure how committed I am to breastfeeding and pumping.</p> <p>My options are to:<br /> -Rent a hospital grade pump once I give birth for 3 months (free). With this option I'd still be able to buy a pump later if I wanted and I *think* get it covered.<br /> -Get the extremely basic Medela "Personal Double Pump" (free)<br /> -Pay $100 upcharge for the Freestyle (which I had planned on getting)<br /> -Pay $50 upcharge for the PISA<br /> -Go through another supply store and get the Ameda Purely Yours, and since it's the only one they have (and therefore they're cheapest) it might be free or cheaper than the Medelas. </p> <p>We can afford the $100 or $50 or whatever, I just hate to spend money on something when 1)I thought it was going to be free, and 2)It might be a waste of money. </p>