Breastfeeding is extremely critical for a new-born baby. It helps minimize the risk of diseases and illnesses in both the infant and the mother. Reports suggest that the nation could save up to $13 billion annually if 90 percent of the new mothers breastfed their baby exclusively for at least six months. 

For mothers who are looking to breastfeed their babies, it might be a good idea to consider using a breast pump. Breast pumps are especially recommended for working mothers who are not available to feed their babies at all times due to their work schedules.

Breast pump insurance
The Affordable Care Act makes it compulsory for health insurance carriers to provide breast pump coverage. Certain insurance companies such as Tricare and Blue Cross Blue Shield are doing a brilliant job by offering easy insurance solutions to breastfeeding mothers.

Tricare
Tricare offers breast pump and breast pump supplies coverage to new mothers absolutely free of cost. These include moms who have adopted a baby and wish to breastfeed. The company provides coverage for manual, hospital grade and double electric breast pumps.

With Tricare, you can get your insurance-covered free breast pump either before or after the delivery. In order to avail of the insurance, it is important for you to have a prescription authorized by a Tricare physician.

Below are the breast pump supplies covered by Tricare for up to 3 years post the birth of your baby:

• Standard power adapters
• Locking rings
• Tubing plus tubing adapters
• Splash/shield protectors
• Bottles plus bottle caps
• Storage bags

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Why does the Affordable Care Act makes it compulsory for certain health plans to provide breast pump coverage? This is because breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies are considered to be a vital health benefit. But some insurance plans cover only a part of this health coverage for new mothers while others completely opt out of it.

Blue Cross Blue Shield is another insurance company that provides cover for breast pumps to new moms. It puts breast pumps under the category of ‘durable medical equipment’ and has numerous partners as participants in the Blue Cross Blue Shield plan in different states. These partners are suppliers/vendors of breast pumps. This means you could place an order for a breast pump with a provider that is associated with Blue Cross Blue Shield. For example, mothers living in Massachusetts have the choice to directly order a breast pump from Medela or Ameda. These are among the top breast pump manufacturing companies in the United States.

The first order typically includes the breast pump and basic supplies to help you get started. If and when additional supplies are required, both companies would offer discounts to members of Blue Cross Blue Shield looking to purchase more costly breast pumps.

*The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding breastfeeding.*