Thankfully under the Affordable Care Act all women with insurance have the right to a breast pump for your baby. Your health insurance must cover the cost of a breast pump. If you’ve had your current healthcare plan since before March 23, 2010 (the day the ACA was signed), your healthcare provider may not have to follow ACA requirements for a “grandfathered” plan, but otherwise, a pump should count as part of your covered healthcare. Generally they cover one breast pump per pregnancy and/or every year to two years.

Step 1: Call Your Insurance Company

The first question is what kind of pump your insurance will cover. You may be entitled to a new pump that you’ll own, or get reimbursed for a rental. Your insurance provider may have qualifications for what kind of pump they’ll offer you, and when you can get it. Getting on the phone with a representative who can walk you through your options will help you make a plan.

Step 2: Ask the Right Questions

1.Do you cover rental, new pumps, or both? Some hospital grade pumps like the Symphony are only available by renting.

2.Do you cover manual or electric pumps, or both? Manual pumps tend to be lighter and can be used anywhere. Electric models are often more effective, so they can be better for mothers who need to do more than occasional pumping

3.What dollar amount will you cover? Prices vary, so you need to know the coverage budget. High-tech pumps with a lot of features can cost several hundred dollars.

4.Do I need to order through a medical supply company you work with, or can I buy a retail model and submit the receipt for reimbursement? The insurance company will give you a name of the vendors they work with (these are the same people who supply ostomy bags, wheelchairs, and wound care supplies). Call the vendors or look on their websites to see what brands of pumps they carry.

5. What documents do you need from me to prove my eligibility? Some insurance providers want to see a prescription from your doctor, while others only need to see that you’re receiving maternity care.

6.When can I get the pump? You might be able to place your order as soon as you know your due date. In other cases, the insurance company might want you to wait until 30 days before the due date, or even ask you to call when you’re discharged from the hospital. Some will drop ship it to your house while others may make you pick it up from a pharmacy or specific location.

Step 3: Research Pump Options

Use the “what breast pump should I get” page as a guide. Then do your own research through YouTube video reviews and other places where moms share their experiences. Keep in mind the cost of extra parts, special parts, and special bags or bottles when choosing which pump you need as well as the suction power.

Step 4: Purchase Your Pump

Get your provider prescription or letter sent to the insurance company. (some medical supply companies call to get this information from your provider directly) Then order your pump! If you have a brick and mortar medical supply company working with your insurance you may be able to walk in and get the pump the same day.

If your renting, most hospitals can direct you where to go to pick up your pump, fill out the insurance information form, and grab your pump kit and send you on your way home the same day. There are currently rental stations at Honor Health Shea Campus, Mercy Gilbert hospital, and Banner Del Webb hospital as well as other boutique mommy stores like Modern Mommy.

Some insurance companies will reimburse you for the cost of your pump if they don’t have the one you want. Others will offer you a stipend of an allotted amount to use towards the purchase of whatever pump you want. Additionally, some require a small fee to “upgrade” to a better style of pump. Just as for what you want!

ALternative: Let someone do the work for you!

Companies like Aeroflow and Edgepark Medical will do the legwork for you! Just enter your information and insurance plan into the online form and they will send out the prescription to your medical provider. Once that’s done they will process everything though your insurance company for the pump you request and it will show up at your house!