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Claims To Co-Insurance: Free Breast Pump Faqs

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Does your insurance company cover breast pumps? If your due date is soon, and you plan to pump, take a look at the questions to ask your insurer before you invest in this type of device.

Can an Insurer Deny Your Breast Pump Claim?

Simply stated—no. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires insurers to cover breast pumps. While your insurance company has to cover a pump, this ACA doesn't specify which devices you can or can't choose. Talk to your insurance provider about the pumps covered in your policy.

Does the Insurance Policy Cover a Rental or a Purchase?

A hospital-grade pump with various specific attachments saves the new mother time and energy. But the double-pumping electric device comes at a cost. This makes a free pump (via medical insurance) a value you can't pass up. Even though your policy may pay for a pump, don't assume the insurance will cover the full cost of a purchase. Some policies only cover a temporary rental. The insurance company will also provide you with an accepted rental time.

How Much Will You Need to Pay in Co-Insurance?

Most insurance policies have co-pays, co-insurance, or other cost-sharing requirements. Even though you may need to pay for part of other medical care, you shouldn't have a charge for the breast pump you rent or buy. Not only does the ACA cover breastfeeding services and equipment, but it also covers the complete costs.

Again, the plan may specify which breast pumps it pays for. This means it may only cover a manual pump. If you want an electric pump, hospital-grade device, or something similar, it's possible your insurance provider won't pay for any of the costs.

Will You Need to Reuse the Same Pump for Your Next Pregnancy?

While your insurance company paid for this pump, you may plan to have another baby—and pump again. As such, you need to know if your insurance company will provide you with a new pump or not. While you can reuse the same pump for two or more pregnancies, it may not work as well over time. If your pump isn't as effective as it was the first time around, is damaged, or has obvious wear and tear, ask your insurer if your policy pays for a pump with each pregnancy.

What Happens If You Already Paid for a Pump?

You may not have known that a breast pump is free with insurance. So what can you do if you already bought one? If the pump isn't a device your plan already covers, your insurer won't reimburse you for the pump. But they will pay for you to get a second pump that is part of your plan. 

For more information about free breast pumps, contact a provider. 


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