Insurance for breast pumps and lactation consultants

No one tells you how difficult breastfeeding can be (and for some, it's easy).  The stress of  learning how to do it, making sure your baby latches on properly and is getting enough milk, and pumping, can all be exhausting.  Sometimes the stress can make you just want to give up.  Lactation consultants can help but they're not free.  Wouldn't it be nice if insurance companies covered the cost of breast pumps and lactation consultants so you could be relieved of a little bit of that stress?  Well, in some cases they might and you should check.

If you're planning on breastfeeding your baby, call your insurance company ahead of the birth and ask them what's covered and what's not.  Tell them what kind of pump you plan on using ( electric, battery or manual).  Tell them if it's a rental from a hospital or other healthcare provider.  Ask if there are any restrictions or certain pumps that are covered?  Do you have a deductible etc?  The more information you're armed with the better prepared you'll be to file a claim.

Often, lactation consultants will see you in your pediatrician's office, or they may even work in your pediatrician's office.  You might be responsible for just a co-pay in that situation.

It may be that you can get reimbursed if your lactation consultant is not in your insurance company's network.  You might simply have to file the claim yourself.

Lactation consultants and breast pumps are often covered in the case of premature babies but it's worth calling to see if you're covered in a normal situation.   Sometimes insurance companies have benefit caps---they'll cover costs up to a certain amount or number of consultant visits.  Bottom line: know your rights.  You might be pleasantly surprised to have some of the costs covered and that is sure to relieve a little stress!

In addition, you may be able to get assistance through your state's Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.  A quick call to them will provide answers.  For more on tips to follow, filing a claim, appealing denied claims, and questions to ask your insurer, go to www.breastfeedinginsurance.com.