One of the items on my “Pregnancy To-Do” list was to order a breast pump. The task was to figure out how to order a breast pump through insurance so I wouldn’t have to pay out of pocket.
Post originally written in 2015 and updated in 2020.
How to even order a breast pump? I had no idea where to even begin, but I knew my insurance covered some brands. I called my insurance at one point to ask about a bunch of general pregnancy-related coverage questions. They mentioned some of the brands of breast pumps are covered but did not tell me how to go about ordering one and getting insurance to pay for it directly.
I certainly didn’t want to be stuck with the bill! So for any new or soon to be new moms, here is what I learned about how to order a breast pump through insurance.
Ordering a Breast Pump through Insurance
Using a service to order your breast pump
I stumbled upon Aeroflow Breastpumps, maybe through one of my many subscriptions to pregnancy and mommy publications, but I can’t remember exactly. What I can tell you is, that was a HUGE find for me. All I had to do was enter my information, and *they* did all the work contacting my insurance and giving me a list of all approved breast pumps.
The approved breast pumps are free of charge to me as they are covered by insurance. Then I just selected the pump I wanted and purchased any additional accessories I wanted (only if I wanted them), and placed my order directly with Aeroflow.
Below is what their Qualify Through Insurance page looks like (click for a larger view). You just fill out that form, and as you can see, there are three easy steps.
Selecting a breast pump
They even have a PDF breast pump comparison chart you can download to help you make your decision.
I have Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Aeroflow told me the following breast pumps were covered:
– Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump Starter Set (57081) – This pump features Medela’s patented 2 phase expression technology and compact motor in a soft case which fits perfectly into Medela’s Breastpump Bag (sold separately)
– Ameda Purely Yours (17070PMW) – This pump features Proven AirlocK Protection and Custom Control as well as having the option to power by batteries. It also includes the carrying tote!
– Tomy MiPump (Y4613) – This pump comes with a tote bag and the option to put batteries in the bottom and use it on the go.
I ended up picking the Medela Pump in Style Advanced based on the good things I heard about it and recommendations from others. The Ameda sounded good too, but I was just more familiar with the Medela. I hadn’t even heard of the Tomy.
The representative that replied to my request also gave me a chart of upgrades should I choose them based on my insurance coverage. I got the Medela Pump In Style Advanced pump and decided to get the battery pack add-on. That way, if I’m out without a place to plug-in, I have a backup power source. I used it while riding in a car once, so maybe it wasn’t a necessary purchase. I probably would have been better off getting a car adapter. Oh well, live and learn, right?
Getting replacement breast pump parts
One other great thing about Aeroflow is they send me reminders that I’m eligible for free replacement pump parts every few months! I got my pump in September originally, and in December and a few weeks ago, they sent me a reminder to order the replacement pieces through them. All I had to do was click the link and confirm my email for eligibility. They did the rest, and the supplies were shipped to my house. Easy peasy.
I hope this information is helpful to someone and feel free to share any of your tips related to breast pumps.
If you’re looking for more information about selecting a breast pump, you can use this Insurance Lookup tool.
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Nathana Clay says
This is SO helpful! I could never figure out the system. I kept hearing that my OBGYN had to process it, but we had a midwife, et.
Julie says
You know, I heard I had to get a prescription from my OBGYN too. But I never even had to talk about a breast pump with my doc heh.
Debi says
Thank you so much for this! I went on Pintrest today procrastinating against calling my insurance company, and I see your pin as the first one on my home page! It was so easy!!! THANK YOU!
Julie says
Yay! Glad this helped. I really like having someone else do the leg work for me 🙂
Patricia says
This is great. I was able to get a breast pump and car seat through my insurance company. This reminds me that I need to call and ask about a toddler seat and bike helmet. I’m sure lots of people have this benefit on their health insurance coverage and aren’t even using it. Great article, thanks for sharing this great info.
Julie says
Ooh, tell me more about getting the car seat! I didn’t know that was an option, did you have to call to ask what type of carseat was covered or was a similar service available?
Patricia says
Yeah I just had to call and ask. They allow a car seat suitable for the childs age, but they didn’t offer newborn sized car seats. So far I’ve gotten one convertible for an infant that can hold its head up until toddler age and a booster seat.
Susan says
What great information for soon-to-be moms. Twenty years ago insurance didn’t cover the cost of my breast pump, but I used it through my 3 children. It was a great investment. Thanks for sharing at the This Is How We Roll Link Party on Organized 31.
Julie says
Yes it definitely is worth the price! Thanks Susan:)
Amy Ngai says
Breast pumps are so expensive. This is great information for a new mom to have! Thanks for sharing. #ConfessionsLinkUp
Julie says
Thanks Amy, yes they really are when purchased out of pocket, or upgraded.
Wendy says
How wonderful that insurance now pays for breast pumps and how wonderful that you shared your knowledge with others on the new mom journey so that they can benefit from your research! My 1st child is 26. Long ago (though electricity HAD been invented 🙂 ) most people used hand pumps. My arm muscles were quite impressive by the time my daughter stopped breast feeding! 🙂
Julie says
Hand pumps seem really complicated. When my mom had me she didn’t even have that, it was all just hand express, which I personally haven’t mastered. I haven’t tried a hand pump either though.
Kelly says
This is such great news for moms – thanks for sharing your experience.
Crystal Bissonnette says
I think it is so important that insurance covers breast pumps! I was fortunate to get one from my BFF who had received one through her insurance 5 years ago when mine did not cover it. It was the Medela Pump and I loved it. Used it for both my kids!
Julie says
That’s awesome that you were able to get one from a friend! Good to know that one pump can last a while.
Karen says
This wasn’t even an option when my babies were born. It was rent from the hospital or buy out of pocket – and they are so expensive. I’m happy to hear that things are getting easier.
You did a great job of collecting information for other moms to take advantage of – sharing your post!
Julie says
Thanks Karen! At least renting from the hospital was an option for you. The hospital-grade pumps are much better than what the insurance provides.
Michelle James says
This is good information. I am out of this stage in my life but some of my younger friends or kids friends would be glad to know that some of the breast pumps are covered. It seems like you did a lot of research. I am going to pass this along. Thanks so much!
Julie says
Thanks Michelle 🙂 yea it is good to know some devices are fully covered. One less major expense of having a baby.
Iulia Gulia (Best of Baby) says
I think the fact that insurance now covers breast pumps is just AMAZING. We still have a long way to in supporting working moms post-birth, but this is definitely a start.
Julie says
Agree, we still have a long way to go but I’m happy to be doing this now when things are much easier than previous generations.
Dee says
Omg. I am in no way close to the “mommy” world, but this site sounds amazeballs! Totally going to bookmark this!
Julie says
I’ve heard of other organizations doing the same thing, can’t name them off the top of my head, but people in my BF group mentioned them. So glad things like this exist because we have enough to try to figure out.
J @ A Hot Southern Mess says
I have a friend who just went through this big ordeal with her insurance company over this! I had no idea how expensive these suckers can be too! Thanks for sharing this!
Julie says
Yea they are! If you don’t go for the cheapest option that the insurance wants to cover, upgrades can get pricey for sure.
Braine says
you got lucky. The freebie pump my sister got from her insurance was of low quality. Didn’t pump as well as Madela & broke too soon
Julie says
Aww that’s too bad. Mine is pretty good quality, though definitely not as good as the hospital-grade version I use at work.
Shelly Aristizabal says
Never hurts to ask… whats the worse than can happen? They might say no? Thanks for sharing!
Julie says
True. I called my insurance quite a few times to see if they would cover some things, but they did not. Like: lactation consultant and doula.
Marina says
Lets test this 🙂 We can’t order a breast pump through insurance here.. Shame.
Julie says
Aww that is too bad 🙁