Before You Buy a Breast Pump, Read This

Breastpump with half of the image an outline to represent the unknown

Every breastfeeding mom on the go needs a breast pump. (There. We said it.) If you’re returning to work, pumping is necessary not only to be able to bring milk home to your baby, but also to maintain your supply. If you don’t work outside the home, pumping lets others feed your babe so you can catch a break or just be baby-free for a spell. And, often, you don’t have to pay for your pump out-of-pocket. Before you buy (or register) for your breast pump, read this.

For moms with private insurance

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act of 2010, private health insurance plans must cover the cost of a breast pump. As with all things insurance-related, it’s complicated because every plan is different. So contact your provider during your third trimester to find out what’s covered. Consider these key questions:

Will your plan cover the cost of buying a pump or just for renting a pump? (Most Insurance will not cover a hospital-grade pump unless you have specific medical need.)
Does your plan require a prescription from your doctor?
Where can you buy your pump? Some providers require that a pump be purchased from a “durable medical equipment” (DME) distributor.
When can you get your pump? Some plans will provide reimbursement before you give birth, others require that you wait until the baby is born—so ask before you buy a pump.

Need to find out if you’re eligible? Medela has a helpful insurance guide to help you learn about your plan. For a more comprehensive list of questions to ask your provider, Medela also has this helpful list.

For moms with Medicaid

If you have coverage through Medicaid, you may be able to buy or rent a breast pump through Medicaid. Call your local Medicaid office to find out more about the specific policies and benefits in your state. (Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides low cost insurance for low-income families. You can find out if you qualify based on your income here.)

For moms who receive WIC benefits

If you receive WIC benefits, connect with your local WIC office to learn more about the services available in your community. WIC is committed to promoting and supporting breastfeeding and local WIC offices provide breastfeeding resources, in-person lactation consultations, and can help you source a breast pump. (If you receive SNAPS or Medicaid, you automatically qualify for WIC. Find out if you’re eligible for WIC here.)

For moms in the military

For families in the military, TRICARE insurance will cover the cost of one breast pump kit and other breastfeeding supplies. You’ll need a prescription from a TRICARE-authorized doctor, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or nurse midwife.

Mamava designs solutions to empower breastfeeding and pumping parents on the go, like our freestanding lactation pods, Mamava’s lactation space locator app, and other helpful resources.

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