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How to Get a Breast Pump Through Insurance
Did you know you may not have to pay out of pocket for your breast pump? These days, most insurance plans will cover the cost of your breast pump, whether you're renting or buying.
While navigating the world of health insurance can be tricky, we've put together a simple step-by-step guide to get you from confused to clear in just a few minutes. Let's get started!
Health insurance companies work with intermediaries called Durable Medical Equipment companies, or DMEs, who carry a wide variety of breast pumps for rent or purchase. Not only do DMEs ship pumps right to your door, but they also work directly with your insurance company for payment.
The Customflow Double Electric Breast Pump is offered for purchase through the following DMEs:
PRO TIP:
Just like with doctors, not every insurance company works with every DME. Save yourself a Google search and go straight to your insurance company for help in finding in-network DMEs.
Here's a quick breakdown of the process:
Let's go through each one in more detail.
To figure out what your individual health care plan covers and which DMEs are in-network, you'll need to call your insurance company. Use these questions to get all the info.
Save these questions for later.
Questions to Ask:
PRO TIP:
Pump coverage periods vary depending on your individual plan. For example, you may be able to get a pump before you give birth or you may have to wait until after. Call your insurance company to determine your coverage period as early on in your pregnancy as possible.
You may need a prescription from your doctor for a pump purchase. If so, give your doctor a call or ask about it at an upcoming appointment. Let your doctor know you need a prescription for a pump and ask if there are any necessary forms to fill out to get the script.
PRO TIP:
Ask your doctor to just put breast pump on the script. Don't specify what type. Keeping it general like this may help prevent any coverage issues, especially if you haven't yet chosen what type of pump you want by the time you request the script from your doctor.
What type of pump you choose will depend on where you're at in your journey, how often you plan to pump, and how it will fit your general lifestyle. Reading reviews and asking friends/family can help you narrow down your options. Consider creating a pump picks list of your top 2-3 favorites.
PRO TIP:
For first-time pumping moms, it can be tough to predict your pumping needs. Pick pumps that have a wide range of settings like the Customflow. This way, as your milk flow changes, you can change up the settings and still fit well with your pump.
The last yes! step is to select the DME you will order from and submit your purchase form online. Each DME form is a little different, but overall it works like this:
The DME may contact your doctor's office directly for the prescription, and by having already discussed it with your doctor, it should be ready and on file for the DME. Once you order it, you're done! The DME will ship your pump directly to you.
PRO TIP:
Not every DME carries every type of breast pump. It may be worth checking with multiple DMEs to find one that carries your preferred pump. You can visit their websites to check out their list of in-stock pumps. Or, keep two to three pumps on your pump picks list.
We're Here to Help
While the process of ordering a pump can be a little overwhelming, taking it step-by-step is a sure way to get to the finish line without breaking a sweat.
If you have any questions about coverage of the Dr. Brown's Customflow Double Electric Pump, please reach out to our team of experts by email or by phone at 833-224-7675 Monday Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM CST.
While navigating the world of health insurance can be tricky, we've put together a simple step-by-step guide to get you from confused to clear in just a few minutes. Let's get started!
How it Works
Health insurance companies work with intermediaries called Durable Medical Equipment companies, or DMEs, who carry a wide variety of breast pumps for rent or purchase. Not only do DMEs ship pumps right to your door, but they also work directly with your insurance company for payment.
The Customflow Double Electric Breast Pump is offered for purchase through the following DMEs:
- 1 Natural Way - one of the leading DMEs in the country and a partner to many major insurance companies
- A Medical Supply Inc. - a committed leader and a superior provider breastfeeding supplies and other essentials for mothers
- Mark Drug Medical Supply- an in network preferred provider for many private insurance companies
- Westside Medical Supply - a family owned and operated company that has been a supplier of medical equipment to consumers, hospitals, and medical professionals
PRO TIP:
Just like with doctors, not every insurance company works with every DME. Save yourself a Google search and go straight to your insurance company for help in finding in-network DMEs.
Here's a quick breakdown of the process:
- Discuss coverage options with your insurance company
- Request a prescription from your doctor for a pump
- Research and select preferred pumps
- Choose in-network DME and submit information
Let's go through each one in more detail.
1. Discuss coverage options with your insurance company
To figure out what your individual health care plan covers and which DMEs are in-network, you'll need to call your insurance company. Use these questions to get all the info.
Save these questions for later.
Questions to Ask:
- Does my policy cover purchase or rental of a breast pump?
- If rental, how long is the maximum rental period?
- What kind of breast pump does my plan cover? Are there limitations on types of pumps?
- Does my plan allow for more than one type of pump purchase?
- What is the maximum coverage dollar amount allowed under my plan?
- When do I qualify for the coverage?
- Can you provide me a list of medical supply companies (DMEs) that work with you who offer breast pumps?
- Will I need a prescription from my doctor to qualify for coverage or what kind of documentation is needed?
- What related supplies are covered? Additional flanges, breast milk storage bags, replacement tubing, etc.? Will I need to order these additional supplies at the same time as the pump?
PRO TIP:
Pump coverage periods vary depending on your individual plan. For example, you may be able to get a pump before you give birth or you may have to wait until after. Call your insurance company to determine your coverage period as early on in your pregnancy as possible.
2. Request a prescription from your doctor
You may need a prescription from your doctor for a pump purchase. If so, give your doctor a call or ask about it at an upcoming appointment. Let your doctor know you need a prescription for a pump and ask if there are any necessary forms to fill out to get the script.
PRO TIP:
Ask your doctor to just put breast pump on the script. Don't specify what type. Keeping it general like this may help prevent any coverage issues, especially if you haven't yet chosen what type of pump you want by the time you request the script from your doctor.
3. Research and select preferred pumps
What type of pump you choose will depend on where you're at in your journey, how often you plan to pump, and how it will fit your general lifestyle. Reading reviews and asking friends/family can help you narrow down your options. Consider creating a pump picks list of your top 2-3 favorites.
PRO TIP:
For first-time pumping moms, it can be tough to predict your pumping needs. Pick pumps that have a wide range of settings like the Customflow. This way, as your milk flow changes, you can change up the settings and still fit well with your pump.
4. Choose in-network DME and submit information
The last yes! step is to select the DME you will order from and submit your purchase form online. Each DME form is a little different, but overall it works like this:
- Fill out identification information, doctor's contact, and insurance information.
- Select your pump
- Submit your form
The DME may contact your doctor's office directly for the prescription, and by having already discussed it with your doctor, it should be ready and on file for the DME. Once you order it, you're done! The DME will ship your pump directly to you.
PRO TIP:
Not every DME carries every type of breast pump. It may be worth checking with multiple DMEs to find one that carries your preferred pump. You can visit their websites to check out their list of in-stock pumps. Or, keep two to three pumps on your pump picks list.
We're Here to Help
While the process of ordering a pump can be a little overwhelming, taking it step-by-step is a sure way to get to the finish line without breaking a sweat.
If you have any questions about coverage of the Dr. Brown's Customflow Double Electric Pump, please reach out to our team of experts by email or by phone at 833-224-7675 Monday Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM CST.