FAQS about Breast Pumps and Insurance Coverage
Often new moms get worried or confused not been able to gather sufficient information about the best breast pumps in the market as well as health insurance facts. For all such mothers, here’s a list of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.
Private Insurance
Q: Does health insurance covers breast pumps?
A: The Affordable Care Act (2010) requires most health insurance providers to offer breast pumps without co-pay or deductibles as part of women’s preventive health services. These rules apply to all Health Insurance Marketplace plans and on all other private health insurance plans, excluding grandfathered plans.
Q: My insurance company said they do not cover breast pumps. What should I do?
A: If you believe you are entitled for breast pump coverage and your claim is denied, you can make an internal appeal and external appeal. If needed, contact your state’s Department of Insurance or Consumer Assistance Program.
Medicaid and WIC
Q: I have Medicaid. Can I get a breast pump?
A: Some states who run their own Medicaid programs. However, different states have different rules. If your state’s Medicaid program does not cover breast pumps, you can apply for a free one through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). You may be able to get a breast pump if you already receive WIC benefits!
Prescriptions and Pre-authorizations
Q: Can I buy a pump and get reimbursement?
A: Some insurance plans require a prescription or pre-authorization from a doctor. Usually insurances only allow you to get a breast pump from in network providers and do not allow you to send them a receipt for reimbursement. Talk to your health insurance company to get more information.
Rental or Purchase
Q: Are rental breast pumps covered or new ones?
A: Your health insurance company will tell you whether only rental pumps are covered or new specific types of pumps are covered under your plan.
Manual or Electric
Q: Does the law require my insurance to cover an electric pump?
A: ACT does not require health insurance plans to cover a certain type of pump. You must find out what types of pumps your health insurance company covers.
Going Back to Work
Q: I want to enjoy breastfeeding even when my maternity leave is over, but I am not sure when or where I would pump at work. What will I do?
A: The idea of breastfeeding after you go back to work may seem tough, especially if your work compels you to travel. However, you must not feel sad, as the law is always on your side. The Affordable Care Act revised the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that requires many employers to help their employees who are nursing moms in two ways:
a) Employees must be given "reasonable" break time to pump for a breastfeeding child for 1 year after the child’s birth. During pumping sessions, employers are not required to pay the employees.
b) Women who need to pump or nurse must be given a private space but not a bathroom.
Q: I need a hospital-grade pump in order to finish pumping during my break at work. Can I get one?
A: Only your health insurance company can tell you what type of pump are covered or provided.
Author Bio: Lucina Care brings to you a wide range of high quality breast pumps along with Insurance Breast Pumps for mom online at reasonable prices.