This Just In
Free Breast Pumps for Moms Thanks to New Healthcare Law!
Just under nine years ago, I returned to my full-time job after having a baby. And I brought with me a key piece of equipment that helped me manage my work/parenting balance: A breast pump. I was lucky enough to find a used pump, so I wasn't out hundreds of dollars for the kind of electric pump that helps you express milk quickly enough to make the whole process manageable.
Right now, millions of mothers to babies are returning to work. Many of them are committed to breastfeeding -- and today there's one exciting piece of news that can help them. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, as of January 1, insurance companies are required to cover breast pumps.
Free breast pumps for everyone! Okay, not exactly. Just if you're fortunate enough be covered by health insurance already. But if you are, you're covered not just for breastfeeding support equipment, but also for consultants. Most likely that's just for consultants already part of your insurance network, but hey -- that's still progress. Have you ever priced out a lactation consultant? Yipes. I couldn't afford one.
This coverage could make the difference between breastfeeding for a full year or not breastfeeding at all for some women.
Some might say, "The government shouldn't be paying for breast pumps!" To which I say, YO! I'm talking about private health insurance, not Medicaid. To clarify, in case it wasn't obvious, this isn't about the government paying for breast pumps. Health insurance companies will cover them -- or they should be, anyway. We pay them money. They cover certain equipment and services. And guess what? This is equipment a lot of women want covered. (WIC provides some breastfeeding equipment and services, but that's not part of this legislation.)
And it's a smart investment all around. We all know the health benefits of breastfeeding. Enabling more women to breastfeed is preventative care that can save families and insurance money on health care costs over a lifetime. For both moms and kids.
Here's a helpful guide to how you can get your pump covered. Naturally they make it complicated because that's how most plans roll, but it's not impossible. Note: This went into effect for some back in August.
Would it make a difference to you if your health insurance covered breast pumps and equipment?
Image via planet oleary/Flickr
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fleurdelys3110
Doomy234
Jespren
Autumnleaves87
Take your right wing nut job blinders off. She clarified that they aren't "free"... Or did you just read the title and get your panties in a bunch??
"We pay them money. They cover certain equipment and services."
Who's the gullible one??
MammaMel
lulou
This is already in place in many companies that have lactation programs because its a smart preventative care measure. Less sickness in the kids means less "sick days" for the parents. It also saves the insurance companies $ on paying for the sick kids appts, prescriptions etc. Plus many companies know this helps retain their top female employees and get them back to work sooner.
The issue isnt so much that there isnt enough customer want or that its not profitable, its lack of education or support for nursing.
aponder
I got free formula on WIC but couldn't get a decent breast pump. I am glad they are giving them to women wouldn't it save money in the long run?
RhondaVeggie
It just makes sense for insurance companies to cover them. They spend a few hundred on them but are likely to save even more because the babies are going to be less sick and they won't require expensive prescription formulas if they can't tolerate regular formula. I suspect it saves them money in the long run.
Doomy234
momof030404
My children were not BF and are never ever sick. My cousin bf FOREVER and her kids are ALWAYS sick. I give it 10 maybe 15 more years and new studies come out saying new things :) As for this being a neccesity for WORKING moms, so is childcare, luch, gas, a way to get to and from, days off for sick/well baby visits......who covers all THAT?