Hellobee Boards

I think it is up to the insurance company. I know I read a lot of the insurance companies are covering stripped down versions. But basically, I think they have to cover SOMETHING but it might be a really really basic thing. I read this the other day: (http://www.boston.com/dailydose/2013/01/15/demand-for-breast-pumps-surge-with-new-coverage-under-health-law/vpKgXHHkQNiu5sgs7Ir9BK/story.html)

I need to contact my insurance company, although I'm hoping my sister would lend me hers if it isn't covered.

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.

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.

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.

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!

@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.

@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.

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.

@Foodnerd81: @Alivoo01: I got a response from BCBS Texas and it says they will only cover manual pumps. Boo!

@lawbee11 yup, I'm BCBS tx too and no pump here either. Lame!

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.

It's really annoying how different various plans can be.

@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.

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?!

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.

Hope you get some good answers!

@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!)

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!

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!!

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.

@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?

@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!