How to Order a Breast Pump Through Insurance
Whether you’re planning to return to work or you simply want more flexibility around feedings, a breast pump can be an invaluable tool for lactating parents. We spoke with TLN IBCLC Chrisie Rosenthal about how you can check your insurance coverage, find the pump that’s right for you, and how you can get your own insurance-covered breast pump through TLN.
Are Breast Pumps Covered by Insurance?
Usually, yes! Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance plans are required to cover breastfeeding equipment, AKA breast pumps. As HealthCare.gov states, “Health insurance plans must provide breastfeeding support, counseling, and equipment for the duration of breastfeeding,” whether before or after birth.
However, breast pump coverage can vary depending on the insurance plan you have. If your insurance plan does not cover breast pumps, it’s likely considered a ‘grandfathered’ plan. These plans existed before the ACA was enacted in March of 2010 and, unfortunately, are not required to comply with lactation care provisions.
Not covered? We may still be able to help. Some workplaces offer their own healthcare solutions—like TLN’s Newborn Families program—to cover their employees’ postpartum care. Check with your employer about your lactation benefits, and if they come up short, ask about implementing a program like Newborn Families.
How to Receive Your Insurance-Covered Breast Pump
- Check Your Coverage
Enter your insurance information and state of residence to see the support your insurance offers. You can then view the pumps included in your plan at no cost plus any pumps available for an upgrade fee.
Note that this step is not a guarantee of coverage. We will further verify your plan coverage and our network participation once you submit your order or schedule a consultation.
- Take Our Breast Pump Quiz
Manual, battery-operated, single-electric, and double-electric, oh my! There are so many different types and brands of breast pumps, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But our breast pump quiz can help you narrow in on the best pump for you and your lifestyle.
- Meet With Your IBCLC
In addition to breast pumps and equipment, your insurance may also provide coverage for lactation consultations with an IBCLC—allowing you to explore breast pump options with a lactation expert. “Private prenatal lactation consultations are often covered under your insurance,” Rosenthal shared, during which you can talk through all of your questions about selecting a pump. “An IBCLC can provide insight into that decision, explain pump options, and help families make the right choice for them.”
Beyond helping you choose a pump, IBCLCs support you through your entire breastfeeding journey, from prenatal to first latch and weaning. Learn more about how you can request your own insurance-covered consultation.
- Select Your Breast Pump
This is the easy part: Just find the pump you want and add it to your cart! TLN has a large selection of high-quality, stress-tested pumps and accessories tailored to fit different lifestyles and needs. No payment is collected until we confirm all details with your insurance company. And if you haven’t checked your coverage yet, you’ll be prompted to do so here.
From there, TLN takes over. We will reach out to your insurance company and physician to confirm your coverage directly, so there’s no need to make phone calls or complete additional paperwork. Then, once we verify your pump coverage, we’ll reach out to let you know and ask for payment details (if you selected a pump that requires an upgrade fee). Once ordered, we’ll deliver your breast pump straight to your door–typically within a few days. Just make sure someone will be home to sign for your package.
- Get Replacement Parts (As Needed)
Many insurance plans also cover replacement pump parts and other lactation supplies. We’ll remind you anytime you’re eligible for new parts, (usually at three or six months postpartum) all you have to do is confirm which replacement supplies you need. You can also submit an order for replacement parts through our shop. Just like our pump ordering process, we’ll confirm your coverage and ship your replacement parts directly to you.
That’s it! Ordering your breast pump through insurance with TLN really is that easy—and that’s the way it should be. Because you deserve easy access to postpartum care, along with a pump that suits your needs, and a far-reaching network of postpartum experts in your corner.
Check your coverage and get your own insurance-covered breast pump here. And know that we’re always here to help!
