How to Get Your Breast Pump Free Through Insurance: A Step-by-Step Guide
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a breast pump on a baby registry and thought, “Don’t they know they can get that for free?” Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, new moms are entitled to a free breast pump and supplies through their insurance. So, if you’ve got one sitting on your registry, it’s time to take it off! Here’s a simple guide for how to get your breast pump free through insurance.
Know Your Pumps
Before diving into what pumps your insurance covers, it’s essential to do a bit of research. Different pumps come with different features, and you’ll want to choose one that fits your lifestyle. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Double-Electric Pump
This is the powerhouse of breast pumps. It’s super effective, mimicking the way babies nurse, and allows you to pump both breasts simultaneously.
- Pros: Gets the job done quickly and efficiently.
- Cons: You’re usually tethered to a wall outlet, which can feel restrictive.
Single-Electric Pump
With this pump, you can only express milk from one breast at a time, which means longer pumping sessions.
- Pros: You can pump on one side while breastfeeding on the other.
- Cons: It’s not as time-efficient as the double-electric pump.
Battery-Powered Pump
Perfect for moms on the move! Battery-powered pumps give you the freedom to pump anywhere, anytime.
- Pros: Portability—no need to be near an outlet.
- Cons: Some moms find them less effective, with lower milk output compared to electric pumps.
2 Easy Ways to Get Your Breast Pump Covered by Insurance
1. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Your first step is to reach out to your insurance company to see what options they offer. Coverage can vary widely depending on your provider, so it’s essential to ask the right questions:
- What types of breast pumps do you cover?
- Where can I get my breast pump from?
- Do you cover hospital-grade breast pumps?
- Is there an option to upgrade my breast pump?
- Will I have to pay anything out of pocket?
2. Use a Service Like Babylist
This is the route I took, and it couldn’t have been easier. Since I was already using Babylist for my registry, I used their insurance service right in the app. I just entered my insurance information and instantly saw all my options, from free pumps to upgrades, complete with descriptions and reviews. You can check your option out on Babylist Health
I chose to upgrade to the Spectra S2 Plus Hospital Strength Double Electric Breast Pump and only had to pay $14 for the upgrade. Babylist handled everything from there—they contacted my insurance, processed the order, and even provided free shipping. Although they estimate delivery a month before your due date, I received mine about two months in advance!
Getting your breast pump through insurance is not only possible, but it’s also incredibly easy if you know the steps to take. Whether you go through your insurance provider directly or use a service like Babylist, you can save yourself a significant expense and get a quality pump that fits your needs.
Have you gone through the process of getting a breast pump through insurance? What was your experience like? Share your tips and stories in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!