Why You Can Get a Free Breast Pump Through Insurance
Good news! The Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare, requires most health insurance plans to cover breastfeeding support and supplies. As a result, most women can get a breast pump covered by insurance.
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The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, went into effect March 23, 2010. Under the ACA, health insurance plans are required to cover the cost of breast feeding equipment, counseling, and equipment for the duration of breastfeeding. Most Insurance companies follow the requirements of the Affordable Care Act, however still some do not comply. These are typically health insurances plans that are self-funded or grandfathered policies. If you are unsure of your insurance benefits, follow our easy online ordering process or give us a call to see what breast pumps through insurance you may be eligible for under your plan.
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What are my breastfeeding benefits?
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The health care law requires most health insurance plans to provide breastfeeding equipment and counseling for pregnant and nursing women.
You may be able to get help with breastfeeding at no cost
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Health insurance plans must provide breastfeeding support, counseling, and equipment for the duration of breastfeeding. These services may be provided before and after you have your baby. These rules apply to Health Insurance Marketplace plans and all other health insurance plans, except for grandfathered plans.
Coverage of breast pumps
Your plan may provide guidance on whether the covered pump is manual or electric, how long the coverage of a rented pump lasts, and when they’ll provide the pump (before or after you have the baby). But it’s up to you and your doctor to decide what’s right for you.
Your doctor’s breastfeeding recommendations
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In many cases, your insurance plan will follow your doctor’s recommendations on what is medically appropriate. Some insurance plans may require pre-authorization from your doctor to ensure the proper services are provided. Talk to your doctor to find out what this means for you, and contact your insurance plan for questions about your breastfeeding benefits. Reference: HealthCare.gov. (2012). Affordable care act rules on expanding access to preventative services for women. http://www.healthcare.gov
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