Breast Pump Insurance Coverage & Reimbursement

   As the Affordable Care Act is enacted and more and more moms are becoming aware of the benefits of it, we are learning more and more about getting insurance to cover your breast pump.
 First, don't take "no" for an answer.  Call your insurance company.  If the representative tells you that a breast pump is not covered ask why.  Some insurance companies are still classifying breast pumps as "personal comfort" items.  According to the US Government Department of Health & Human Services, " Non-grandfathered plans and issuers are required to provide coverage without cost sharing consistent with these guidelines in the first plan year (in the individual market, policy year) that begins on or after August 1, 2012."
     The Affordable Care Act covers Breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling.  Some insurance companies are covering hospital grade breast pump rentals, but others are covering quality personal use pumps sold by DME supplies like Lactation Connection.  We found the United Health Care policies buried in a table entitled Expanded Women's Preventative Health and it states that these items are required coverage for plans beginning after 8/1/12.
     Make sure to get prior approval from your insurance company before purchasing from an out of network supplier, especially if you are on an HMO.  But it is always a good idea to call your insurance company first for information on how to get reimbursement.  Take down the name of the person you spoke to.   If the answer is "we don't cover that"  ask why and if the answer is not that you have to buy "in network" or that your plan is grandfathered.  Call back and speak to someone else until you get a knowledgeable helpful representative.  Finally, ask what paperwork you need to submit for reimbursement.  Lactation Connection provides you a receipt with the appropriate insurance codes attached for your convenience when you purchase at http://www.lactationconnection.com

http://www.hrsa.gov/womensguidelines/
http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/07/preventive-services-list.html#CoveredPreventiveServicesforWomenIncludingPregnantWomen
https://www.unitedhealthcareonline.com/ccmcontent/ProviderII/UHC/en-US/Assets/ProviderStaticFiles/ProviderStaticFilesPdf/Tools%20and%20Resources/Policies%20and%20Protocols/Medical%20Policies/Medical%20Policies/Preventive_Care_Services_CD.pdf

Comparing Hygeia Breast Pump Models

     The Hygeia EnJoye Breast Pump has become our most requested pump of 2013, but the different models can be confusing.  First, all EnJoye pumps have the same motor with the same three year warranty. All three are "green" pump so they are approved by the FDA for multi-person uses so can be resold.  If you are purchasing a used Hygeia EnJoye you will need your own sanitary double pumping kit which includes the tubing, filters bottles and valves. And all three have the CARE function witch is an audio recording device to record your baby's coos or cries and play them back to assist with let down while pumping.  The distinctions are below:
Hygeia EnJoye EPS Breast Pump has an external power supply (AC adapter) only and can be purchased on our site with or without a tote.
Hygeia EnJoye EXT Breast Pump has both the AC adapter and an external AA battery pack.  You can purchase these with a brown or black tote which makes a very nice diaper bag as well.
Hygeia EnJoye LBI Breast Pump has both the AC adapter and includes an internal lithium ion rechargeable battery for moms who don't have access to an outlet and reply on a battery to pump.

The Hygeia EnJoye Breast Pump is an excellent purchase and is covered under your insurance plan if purchased from either a network provider or a DME supplier like Lactation Connection in most cases.  Always check with your insurance company for details on breast pump insurance coverage, but know that in 2013 a breast pump is covered as preventative care under the Affordable Care Act so don't take no for an answer.  Breastpumps and breastfeeding supplies are covered. 
     If your insurance company pays for breast pump rental, the Hygeia EnDeare is an excellent choice.