Getting the cost of your breast pump covered by your insurance company.

Medela Free Style Pump. We all look this glamorous while pumping, no?

Did you know that some hospitals consider breast milk “medically necessary” for your premature or medically compromised kiddos therefore requiring you to purchase a breast pump?

Did you know that that nursing mothers of multiples often get the full cost of their breast pump covered by their insurance company?

Here are a few things you need to do if you think you might qualify to get your breast pump covered.

-Call/Read your policy: Read through your policy or call the insurance company before you EVEN have your multiples. While you’re on the phone, ask if your coverage will include a visit from a lactation consultant as well. Some policies have one (or more) visit(s) built in to every delivery.

-Check your insurance company’s rules.: What are the conditions which need to be present in order to get the pump covered. Do you need prior authorization before buying the pump? Will there be a co-pay? Do you need to meet a deducible first?

-What exactly is covered?: Will your insurance cover the entire cost of the pump? Will they only cover a rental? Are you limited to brand or type? What is the maximum amount they will cover? With pumps costing upwards of $300 will they cover the WHOLE amount WITH accessories?

When submitting your claim, you will often need a medical code to include. Occasionally the desk in the nursery, or NICU, will have a pre-formatted letter for you to submit. Put asking about this on your “ToDo” list while still in the hospital or inquire about it if/when you take your hospital tour.

If you are submitting the form yourself, here is a list of common medical codes which may help you get your pump covered.