Mother and child bond deeply during this intimate time of breastfeeding. Pumping can be a lifesaver for parents who want to breastfeed but require the additional flexibility that bottle feeding provides. However, breast pumps can be quite pricey. This article describes how breast pumps can be covered by medical insurance.
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Know Your Health Insurance Policy
When away from her infant, a nursing mother should have access to equipment for producing breast milk. Considering that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act mandates insurance coverage for breastfeeding equipment, you may wonder if your health insurance will cover the cost of a breast pump. The majority of people can get their breast pump through the majority of major insurance providers. You can check the insurance provider's compliance with the ACA by reading the policy documents. Coverage depends on your health plan since the ACA doesn't specify. Some cover hospital-grade pumps, others don't, and others let you rent them.
When selecting a breast pump covered by your health insurance, it is vital to verify coverage limitations. Others may cover more expensive models, such as hospital-grade pumps. You should also verify the number and frequency of pumps that your health insurance provider will cover.
For Medicaid coverage, contact your provider. They can't provide a breast pump. If so, the US Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service's WIC program can provide one.
Your insurer may require you to buy your breast pump from a DME (durable medical equipment) supplier. You'll need the pump soon after your baby arrives, so call that supplier to see if they have it and how long it will take to get it.
Select a Supplier
Depending on your insurance, you may only be able to buy certain brands and order them online. Many retailers sell breast pumps, including drugstores and medical supply warehouses (DME). You can either mail or bring the prescription into the DME retailer. Typically, DME suppliers collaborate with health insurance providers to provide breast pumps to pregnant women. They will directly bill your health insurance provider and handle all paperwork.
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Submit the Required Documentation
After completing all required steps to obtain a breast pump through your health insurance, you must submit the necessary paperwork. This consists of medical records, prescriptions, and receipts. Fill out the forms precisely and submit them promptly to avoid delays.
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Which Types of Breast Pump Are There?
Breastfeeding can be challenging for working mothers. Breast pumps are available for this specific purpose. A working mother who needs to pump several times per day despite her hectic schedule may find the solution in a wearable breast pump. After expression, breast milk can be frozen for later use.
It can be difficult to pick a breast pump from the many models that are offered. Pumping time depends on how often your baby eats. A manual or single-electric breast pump may be all that's needed for a first-time mom. A double electric breast pump is a good investment for long-term breastfeeding.
Manual Breast Pumps
When it comes to breast pumps, the most fundamental option is the manual variety. They are cheap and straightforward to employ. You have to squeeze a handle to physically extract the milk from the machine. They're great for when you only need to pump occasionally and are on the go. Their small size and light weight make them portable. However, they take more time and energy to use than electric pumps, and milk production can be inconsistent.
Single Elecric Breast Pumps
Similar to manual breast pumps, single electric breast pumps help mothers express milk for their infants. They're great for working moms because they're simple to use and require only one hand. They're lightweight and compact, so you can pump breast milk anywhere. However, they can be less efficient than double electric pumps when it comes to expressing milk.
Double Electric Breast Pumps
In terms of output, double electric breast pumps are superior. They enable you to simultaneously pump both breasts, allowing you to save time and produce more milk. If you intend to breastfeed for several months, or even a year, the expense and inconvenience are justified. Mothers who need to express milk multiple times a day while at work will find them indispensable.
Breast Pumps that Can be Worn
The newest innovation in breast pumps are those that can be worn. They're small enough to hide in plain sight under your bra. You can pump while working or engaging in other activities because they do not require your hands. They are ideal for working mothers who must express milk multiple times daily. Despite their higher cost, these breast pumps may be less effective than single- and double-electric ones.
Do You Have to Wait Until My Baby is Born Before Ordering?
In a nutshell, no. Your insurance company may allow you to order a breast pump up to a month before you're due. Don't procrastinate; ensure that you have your breast pump before the baby arrives to alleviate unwanted stress and discomfort.
What if Your Health Insurance Doesn't Cover a Free Breast Pump?
Electric breast pumps can be costly, and certain health insurance plans do not cover the cost. This rule can be bent under certain conditions. A doctor's note or prescription stating that an electric pump is medically necessary is a good idea.
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Order Your Breast Pump Through Your Insurance Company
When separated from her infant, a nursing mother may find relief using a breast pump. Mothers must first read and understand their insurance policy to determine if they are covered for a free breast pump. They need to locate a physician, complete necessary paperwork, and verify insurance and benefits. Your insurance policy will ultimately decide whether you qualify for a free breast pump. Your health insurance may require a breast pump prescription from your doctor. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act now covers breast pumps. If you follow these guidelines, your health insurance should cover a breast pump.
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