If you\u2019re breastfeeding\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hoping to breastfeed? Nice. Breastfeeding has so many benefits for baby and Mom, even if you only do it for a limited time or supplement with formula. But contrary to what people say about breastfeeding being free, it\u2019s *kinda* not. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sure, compared to formula, breastfeeding is relatively inexpensive, but there are still some must-haves you\u2019ll need and those must-haves can add up quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The good news is that most insurance plans will help cover some of those costs. Let\u2019s talk about what you can get through insurance and how to go about getting your nursing supplies covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Breast pumps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Breast pumps are incredibly helpful if you plan to breastfeed. Not only can they help boost your milk supply and keep both tatas producing at peak levels, but they can also make it possible for you to go back to work or have your partner bottle feed while you get some much-needed sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your insurance company is required to cover some or all of the rental or purchase costs of a breast pump. That said, the type of pump, length of rental covered, and how much of the cost is covered will vary from insurance to insurance and plan to plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do you know what your plan covers? Well, you can always dig through your insurance plan details or make a call to an insurance agent and stare at the wall while you listen to the world\u2019s worst hold music. Or you could *attempt* to get some help through your insurance company\u2019s in-app chat box. That\u2019s if you\u2019re into doing things the hard way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.bumpboxes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Insurance-ChatBox.png\")
If you\u2019d rather just get the perks without the pains of actually dealing with insurance, your best bet is to go through the insurance-savvy nerds here at Bump Boxes. They geek out over these things and get all kinds of fuzzy feelings when they take care of the hassle of insurance for our Moms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All you have to do is head to our free breast pump application<\/a> and fill out the form. We\u2019ll need some insurance info, so have your card ready. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Within minutes, you\u2019ll know if you\u2019re a match with Bump Boxes or one of our partners. Either way, you\u2019ll simply pick out the breast pump you\u2019d like while our team (or our partner\u2019s team) gets to work on getting a prescription from your doctor and submitting everything to your insurance company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, for the really good news: Even if you decide you don\u2019t want the free or most discounted pump but want to upgrade to a pump that better fits your lifestyle and needs, insurance should still cover some of the cost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s say your insurance plan only covers a manual pump but you want a double electric you can charge in your car. No problem.\u00a0Simply upgrade when you select your pump. You\u2019ll still pay less than you would if you didn\u2019t go through insurance.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s say you match with us or a partner because we\u2019re in-network with your insurance provider. Can anything throw a wrench in the process? Unfortunately, yes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if we (or our partners) have a contract with your insurance company, sometimes specific plans can prevent us from being \u2018in-network\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How would that go? <\/p>\n\n\n\n You might get matched with a partner, pick out your breast pump, and then find out that your HMO plan makes that partner technically \u2018out of network\u2019 and unable to help, even though you originally matched with them because they have a contract with your insurance provider. It\u2019s complicated because insurance is designed that way. Womp womp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If that happens to you, you unfortunately will have to reach out to your insurance company to find out what specific providers are in network with your plan so you can get your free or discounted pump. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t want to bother? There\u2019s a good chance that whoever you match with (Bump Boxes or a partner) can *still* provide you with a pump at a discounted price. We just won\u2019t be able to get it using your insurance benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, that depends on your insurance company. Many insurance companies allow us to ship as soon as we have everything approved. Others may require that we wait until you\u2019re closer to your due date. Either way, you\u2019ll be kept abreast (see what we did there?) of when your pump ships, so you can be on the lookout for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n More good news: Many insurance plans also cover the cost of a free online breastfeeding consultation, as well as breast pump replacement parts and accessories \u2013 like tubing, breast shields, bottles, and even breastmilk storage bags. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And even better news? Our team (or our partner\u2019s team, if you don\u2019t match with us) can help ensure you get these insurance benefits as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, we exist to make your life \u2013 from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond \u2013 easier, so yeah, we\u2019re happy to take the headache of dealing with insurance off your shoulders and make sure you\u2019re set up for breastfeeding success. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Planning on formula feeding or considering making the switch to formula for mental or physical health reasons \u2013 or because it\u2019s what\u2019s best for baby\u2019s specific health needs? The good news is that formula-fed babies grow up to be strong and healthy, so you have our full permission + support to throw up a middle finger to anyone who gives you crap for giving your baby formula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With that said, there is a downside to formula, and that\u2019s cost. Obviously formula costs vary and can increase or decrease, depending on what\u2019s going on in the world. (Hello, formula shortage hell.) But for the year 2022, annual formula costs fall somewhere between $5k and $10k. That\u2019s not exactly pocket change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, chances are your insurance will only step in if your baby requires specialty formula because of an allergy, metabolic need, or other issue. Even then, you\u2019ll almost certainly need a prescription from your doctor and have to follow up with your insurance company multiple times before you\u2019re approved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your insurance denies you coverage, what then? Well, you have a couple of options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mommin\u2019 ain\u2019t easy, but hopefully reading this post made figuring out what your insurance covers + how to get it easier. If you have any questions about getting your free or discounted breast pump or you\u2019d like to know more about the process, just reach out to our Mom Squad at DME@BumpHealth.com<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat could throw a wrench in the process of getting your free or discounted breast pump through Bump Boxes or a partner?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
When will you receive your insurance-covered breast pump?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Nursing-related products and trainings + pump-related refills and replacement parts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re formula feeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
So, what\u2019s the deal? Does insurance help with those costs at all? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Have questions? The Mom Squad\u2019s here to help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n