I really enjoyed this Planet Money episode on the economic costs of making breast pumps free. Although I'm not sure what I believe about the costs to society and whether it's worth it, I can tell you that I'm very grateful that I can get a free pump for this child! And I will most definitely be getting the best one I can.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2013/01/29/170583430/episode-432-the-price-of-free-breast-pumps
wonderful clementine / 24134 posts
@thatwife: I had no idea you were here!!! Hope you are holding out with #2! I loved your brain dump today, I think I am going to have to check out that game.
olive / 62 posts
@Thehistoryofus: I've never really been active until I joined the February 2013 due date board. As I'm sure so many here know, once you start in on the boards it's hard to stop! I'm not a very good commenter though because it's still so hard to do from the phone/ipad. When I'm at my computer I'd rather be writing a post for That Wife 
blogger / pomelo / 5400 posts
So wish this would have been the case with my LO, though I ended up doing the best with a $25 manual pump ... so I guess I can't complain too loudly!
wonderful clementine / 24134 posts
@thatwife: I love to HB while on my iphone because I can do it one handed while nursing. Holding the ipad is too tough one handed!
Did you decide which pump to get? I have the freestyle and with a hands free bra, it is SO nice. My friend that has 2 little ones says it was a life saver when she was exclusively pumping.
grapefruit / 4800 posts
Interesting. I think preventative medicine is important to consider in healthcare. They touched on it a bit but not too much
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-04-05-study-breast-feeding_N.htm
I don't think too many people have access to boutique NYC breast pump stores like the one they kept referencing, I'm sure those who do have pretty good insurance anyways. But a lot of insurances do limit what type of breast pumps are available, it's up to them.
wonderful olive / 19353 posts
@Maysprout: My insurance only pays for ONE manual breast pump. Electrics are not covered. =(
clementine / 930 posts
@Alivoo01: How did you find out what your insurance covers? I have been googling, but I'm guessing I will have to call them...
grapefruit / 4278 posts
@JamieLee: I could message my insurance through their website and ask. They only covered a manual pump too 
pomegranate / 3983 posts
I thought it was interesting but definitely missing more on the long-term health and thus economic benefits. There's so much we don't know though.
clementine / 930 posts
I called my insurance (Blue Care Network) and they will cover the Medela Swing Single Pump.
olive / 62 posts
@Thehistoryofus: I actually have no idea what I'm getting. My midwife ordered it for me! I think probably a double electric? Definitely electric and not manual! The process was so complicated, I was happy to have her contact them for me. I thought about getting a hospital-grade because I had low-supply issues with my first (and a breast reduction in 2006) so I figure I'll have issues with the second as well. But a hospital grade can only be rented, whereas the other is mine to keep.
One thing that hasn't been touched on is how this will create a market for free breast pumps. Maybe people without insurance (or insurance that will cover anything other than manual pumps as mentioned above) will be able to get pumps for free (and then buy replacement tubing) from women who are done having kids and thus breastfeeding rates will increase! That would be awesome.
wonderful olive / 19353 posts
@JamieLee: Like @kiddosc, I can log into my account on my insurance provider's site and send them an email. Also, on the EOB FAQ's, they have one about the ObamaCare and how they applies to me.
| Today | Monthly Record | |
|---|---|---|
| Topics | 0 | 1 |
| Posts | 1 | 1 |
Ask for Help
Make a Suggestion
Frequently Asked Questions
Bee Levels
Acronyms
Most Viewed Posts
Hellobee Gold
Hellobee Recipes
Hellobee Features
Hellobee Contests
Baby-led Weaning
Bento Boxes
Breastfeeding
Newborn Essentials
Parties
Postpartum Care Essentials
Sensory Play Activities
Sleep Training
Starting Solids Gear
Transitioning to Toddler Bed
All Series
Who We Are
About the Bloggers
About the Hostesses
Contributing Bloggers
Apply to Blog
Apply to Hostess
Submit a Guest Blog
Hellobee Buttons
How We Make Money
Community Policies
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
12 comments