How do I get a free breast pump from my insurance?
When the Affordable Care Act was passed in 2011, it expanded the ability for moms to get a personal breast pump at little to no out-of-pocket cost. For many insurance plans, this means a breast pump will be sent to you after just a few steps. Woohoo! I recommend you take advantage of this benefit and order your pump early in your pregnancy. After reading this, you will know when and how to get your breast pump from your insurance provider.
1) Call your insurance provider
On the back of your insurance card, there is a general information number you can call to start the process of getting a breast pump and see what the process is for your specific plan. Usually, they will give you the contact information for several durable medical equipment (DME) providers. This is just a fancy name for a company that manages how to get healthcare equipment, like your breast pump, in your hands.
2) Contact the DME company
Most DME companies have a website that you can input your insurance information into an electronic form and find out your benefit coverage and which pumps are available to you within a few days. Many times, it is not just the pump that is covered, but all necessary parts/accessories and ongoing replacement of the parts over time.
3) Get a prescription for your breast pump
To complete the order for the breast pump, many DME companies require a prescription from your OBGYN for a breast pump. Depending on your physician’s practice, they may include this prescription in the general information packet you receive at your first appointment or you may have to ask for it from your doctor directly. Usually, you can submit this to the DME company website directly or via email.
3) Select a pump
When choosing a pump, it is important to think about why you will be using the pump and how often. There are many different types of pumps and pump brands to consider. For more information read my post on types of breast pumps here. (LINK TO PUMP BLOG POST)
4) Receive your pump
Some plans will send the pump to you as soon as you order it, others make you wait until a certain point in your pregnancy or after your delivery to mail the pump. Be sure you know when you will receive your pump when you order it. If you have to wait until you deliver, be sure to let the DME company know your baby has arrived so your pump can be mailed as soon as possible.
Click to learn more about how to use your free breast pump from insurance
Find out if you qualify for a free breast pump from your insurance provider
I am a registered nurse in the State of Florida and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). The content on this blog page is for informational and educational use only. I have taken reasonable steps to ensure that the information shared is accurate, but I cannot guarantee that it is free from errors. The information shared here does not take the place of a medical provider, nor establishes any kind of client relationship with myself as a registered nurse or a lactation consultant. I am not your IBCLC or RN unless you book a consult with me directly and we establish a patient/caregiver relationship.