How to Get a Free Breast Pump Through Insurance

Breast pumps are an essential tool for feeding your baby, giving you flexibility, boosting your milk supply, and making it easier to manage your breastfeeding journey. If you’re in the U.S., here’s some good news: you can get a breast pump for free through your health insurance!

To make this process smoother, we sat down with Zomee founder Dina Shanowitz to break down everything you need to know—from understanding your insurance benefits to picking the right pump for your lifestyle. Let’s dive in!

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Understand Your Health Coverage Benefit

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The Affordable Care Act ensures that health insurance plans in the U.S., including Medicaid, cover breast pumps for free. However, the specific details of your coverage will vary depending on your insurance provider and state.

Start by calling your insurance company and asking these key questions:

• Are there restrictions on which pump I can get?
• When can I get my pump? (Some plans only allow you to get it after delivery.)
• What documentation do I need? (For example, do you need a prescription from your doctor?)
• Can I buy a pump and get reimbursed? If yes, ask for details on reimbursement forms and submission procedures.
• Which medical supply companies are you contracted with?
• What other breastfeeding supplies are covered?
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💡 Pro Tip: Take detailed notes during this call and save all emails, receipts, and correspondence for reference.

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What Is a Medical Supply Company (DME)?

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Your insurance company may direct you to purchase your pump from a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider. These companies specialize in fulfilling medical equipment orders, including breast pumps, and most operate online for added convenience.

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Get the Necessary Documentation

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Once you know what your insurance requires, gather the necessary documents. This might include:

• A prescription from your doctor.
• Insurance forms for reimbursement if applicable.

Unfortunately, this process often involves some back-and-forth, but it’ll be worth it in the end!

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Pick the Right Breast Pump for You

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Choosing a breast pump can feel overwhelming with so many options. Consider:

• How often will you pump?
• Where will you pump? (At home, work, or on the go.)
• Do you prefer hands-free wearables or traditional pumps?

💡 Need help deciding? Take our breast pump quiz to find the perfect match for your lifestyle!

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What If the Pump You Want Isn’t Covered?

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If your insurance doesn’t cover the pump you want, don’t worry—you have options:

1. Explore Upgrades: Some medical supply companies let you pay out-of-pocket to upgrade to the pump you want.
2. Buy Direct: Purchase the pump directly from the company. Wearable pumps like the Zomee Fit may not be fully covered but can be worth the investment.
3. Use Your Village: Create a Villie Baby Fund to mobilize your loved ones to help cover the cost.
4. Get Two Pumps: Use insurance to get one pump (like a standard model) and pay out-of-pocket for a second pump, such as a portable or wearable option for travel or work.

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FAQ: Your Questions About Breast Pumps and Insurance Answered

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Q: Does every health insurance plan cover breast pumps?

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A: Yes, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover breast pumps. However, the type of pump and timing of coverage can vary, so it’s best to check with your provider.

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Q: What types of breast pumps are covered by insurance?

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A: Most insurance plans cover basic electric or manual pumps. Wearable or hospital-grade pumps may only be partially covered or require an upgrade fee.

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Q: Can I get a second breast pump through insurance?

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A: Generally, insurance covers one pump per pregnancy. However, you can purchase a second pump out of pocket or explore options like using your Villie Baby Fund.

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Q: What if I want a pump that isn’t fully covered?

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A: You can often pay out of pocket for upgrades or buy directly from a breast pump company if your desired model isn’t included.

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Time to Shop

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Navigating the process of getting a free breast pump through insurance can feel like a lot, but breaking it into steps makes it manageable:

1. Call your insurance provider to confirm coverage and requirements.
2. Gather the necessary documentation.
3. Work with a medical supply company to order your pump.

Once you have your pump, you’re ready to start your breastfeeding journey with more flexibility and support.

💡 Pro Tip: If you need a second pump, consider using your FREE Villie Baby Page to share your registry and raise funds for one that perfectly suits your lifestyle.

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