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If you decide to breastfeed, a breast pump can be an invaluable tool in your journey (for one: it allows other people to feed the baby—hello, nap). But breast pumps can be pricey. What you may not know is that thanks to the Affordable Care Act, breast pumps are covered under most health insurance policies for free. But if you hear insurance and think red tape, you’re not alone.
Babylist Health was created to help cut through the paperwork and make it easier for you to get your breast pump through your health insurance provider. Here’s what you need to know about getting a breast pump covered by insurance.
First things first, a free breast pump doesn’t mean some 20-year-old off-brand machine that won’t be useful in a month. Most health insurance providers cover some of the best breast pumps on the market, like Dr. Brown’s, Spectra, Medela, Willow, Lansinoh and more—and you’ll get a brand new one, not a used one.
When you visit Babylist Health, you’ll be prompted to input your state of residence and your health insurance provider. With that information, Babylist Health will immediately provide you with a list of covered breast pump options (along with upgrade options if you want to pay extra for more premium gear).
Next, you select your preferred pump and then complete the order form. Babylist Health will verify your insurance coverage and request a breast pump prescription from your doctor. You get a brand-new breast pump delivered directly to your door, with free shipping included.
A: No problem, Babylist has a bunch of guides to help you choose (and use) the best breast pump for you:
A: Nope, you can order your pump as early as six months before your due date and up to six months after baby arrives. Babylist Health will hold onto it until the date your health insurance provider says you can have it (which for most plans is about 30 days prior to your due date). Once your pump ships, you should get it within 5-10 days.
Most health insurance providers allow one free pump per pregnancy.
A: Not usually. While some companies require you to fill out a form and wait to be contacted about your breast pump options, Babylist Health does 100% instant online ordering. After you complete your order form, they handle the rest. Note: Babylist Health may reach out to you about getting a doctor’s prescription for your breast pump if we’re not able to contact your doctor.
A: Most likely. Babylist Health works with most major health insurance providers, so there’s a very high chance you’ll be able to get your breast pump through us. You can easily check your eligibility on the Babylist Health website.
A: It depends on your health insurance provider. But if you qualify with Babylist Health, you’ll get a brand-new breast pump from one of the mainstream breast pump brands you already know. Some plans include hospital-grade pumps, electric breast pumps, top-rated wearable pumps, double electric pumps and more. All you need to do is choose the one that’s right for you. You may also be able to get free insurance-covered replacement parts through Babylist Health too, so be sure to check!
A. Again, it depends on your insurance plan, but yes, many insurance carriers cover replacement breast pumps. You can check Babylist Health to see what your plan covers (you can also order pump parts through Babylist Health even if you didn’t get your pump through it).
Pumping can be really helpful for parents who want to breastfeed but need the added flexibility that bottle feeding can provide. And the easiest way to get started is by getting a pump that’s covered by your health insurance provider. Ready to do just that? Head over to Babylist Health and answer the two-question prompt and order your insurance-covered breast pump now.
Maddie Eisenhart is Babylist’s Senior Branded Content Editor. Having served previously as Managing Editor and then Head of Partnerships at A Practical Wedding, she has more than a decade of experience writing branded content that helps people find products during major life transitions—from marriage to parenthood. Maddie lives in Maine with her partner and two boys.
This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more about how we write Babylist content and review products, as well as the Babylist Health Advisory Board.
