For breastfeeding parents, a good breast pump offers freedom and flexibility—but that does come at a price. High-quality breast pumps can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The good news? If you have health insurance, you most likely qualify for a free breast pump thanks to the Affordable Care Act.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting yours.
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Your Breastfeeding Health Insurance Benefits
According to Healthcare.gov, most Marketplace plans must provide breastfeeding equipment as well as counseling for pregnant and nursing parents—for the duration of breastfeeding. The only exception here is grandfathered plans, which refers to plans that existed before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted in 2010.
Although the coverage details vary based on the insurance policy, the ACA states that your plan must cover the entire cost of the breast pump, whether a rental unit or a new unit that you can keep. Your individual plan will also determine what type of pump is covered, and when you’ll receive it (before or after the birth of your baby). Some plans may require pre-authorization from your healthcare provider, such as a prescription.
According to the National Women’s Law Center, these items and services should be provided to you without cost-sharing—meaning you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for anything related to breastfeeding. These benefits are available with each pregnancy, no matter how many children you have.
Types of Free Breast Pump Covered By Insurance
Different insurance providers interpret the ACA’s guidelines differently, so the type of breast pump you can get for free really depends on your provider. Fortunately, most insurance companies offer a selection of high-quality pumps from respected brands like Medela, Lansinoh, Willow, and Dr. Brown’s.
“It can be overwhelming to sift through all the pump options on the market, so a great place to start is to first find out which pumps are covered by your specific health insurance plan,” says Katie Cohen, BSN, RN, IBCLC and Professional Development Coordinator at the U.S. Lactation Consultant Association. “If you’re not sure which medical supply companies work with your insurance plan, you can call the number on the back of your insurance card to ask.”
There are many types of breast pumps available that may or may not be covered by your insurance policy:
- Manual Breast Pumps: Usually the most basic and low-cost models on the market, manual breast pumps do not require batteries or electricity to operate, making them easily portable.
- Powered Breast Pumps: These breast pumps use a motor to suction milk from the breasts. They can be powered by electricity or batteries. Double pumps allow for both breasts to be pumped at once, which can save a lot of time.
- Wearable Breast Pumps: Ideal for multitaskers, wearable breast pumps allow users to pump hands-free or even on the go.
You may also see the word “hospital-grade” used when describing certain pumps—especially more expensive models. Cohen advises using caution when considering these types of pumps. “The term ‘hospital grade’ is used frequently in marketing of breast pumps, but it is not a regulated term and does not necessarily mean that a pump is of higher quality than other options,” she says.
If you can afford it, Cohen also recommends opening your search beyond the free pumps. “You might find that your plan covers a more basic pump with no out-of-pocket costs, but that other options are available for an upcharge,” she says.
Breast Pump Brands that Provide Free Breast Pumps Through Insurance
In most cases, your insurance company will require you to get your pump from a contracted, in-network Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider. These are often medical equipment suppliers that specialize in working with insurance companies, but can also include standard retail stores like Target and Walmart.
Your insurance company should give you a list of suppliers that they work with, or you can search on popular suppliers’ sites to find out if they work with your provider. Here are some of the top names:
- Yummy Mummy
- Aeroflow Breast Pumps
- Edgepark
- Medela
- Pumps for Mom
“Most online medical supply companies that supply breast pumps will immediately show you which pumps you are eligible for through your insurance after you enter the plan information from your insurance card on their website,” Cohen says. “These companies make it easy to select and order a pump online.” In most cases, the supplier will file the claim for you after confirming your eligibility, and the breast pump will be delivered to your door just a few days later.
Additional Low-Cost Breastfeeding Services Covered by Insurance
Remember: The Affordable Care Act’s breastfeeding benefits don’t end with breast pumps. Your plan likely also covers other breastfeeding supplies and services—like a lactation consultant. Cohen points out that a consultant can be your best friend when you’re navigating the sometimes-confusing world of breast pumps.
“If you’d like help with selecting a pump that will best fit your needs, it’s a great idea to schedule a lactation consultation with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant prior to ordering a breast pump,” Cohen says. They can help you by asking questions about how often you plan to pump, where you plan to pump, and which factors are most important to you.
And once your pump has arrived, they can help you too, she points out. “A lactation consultant can fit you for your pump flanges, which is crucial for good milk output, help you get comfortable with the settings on your pump, and teach you how to use it.”
