Does Blue Shield of California Cover Breast Pumps
Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Covered Breast Pumps
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a leading insurance provider that has been operating since 1929. Over the years, they've adapted with their patient's ongoing needs and continually rise to the challenge that's presented with ongoing evolution in the healthcare field. In an effort to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare coverage for all Americans, Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance covered breast pumps are available to new and expecting moms along with numerous pre-approved breast pump supplies. Here's what you need to know.
The Importance of Getting a Breast Pump
From the moment you find out you're pregnant until the day you deliver, you'll be working through an evolving to-do list in an attempt to get as much ready as possible. While becoming a parent creates a new, never ending list of demands, it's nice to be able to emanate some sense of control while we still can. Crossing things off of our to-do list, buying supplies, and setting up the nursery are great ways to have a productive pregnancy. Doing so ahead of time will give you the chance to focus on bonding with your newborn after you've delivered. If you really want to get yourself prepared for parenthood, it's important to do some research on a breast pump and find something that works for you.
Breast pumps are an essential item to have in your post-delivery inventory. While you'll likely want to breastfeed exclusively for the first few weeks, it's not always the reality. Many new mothers have a hard time breastfeeding and need some additional help. If your baby struggles with latching or you need to catch up on some much-needed sleep, it's always good to have options available. A breast pump allows you to provide your baby with essential nutrients and minerals when, for whatever reason, you're not able to nurse.
Another benefit of pumping is that it allows you to build up a milk supply so that your partner, friends, or family members can help feed your baby if you're away or resting. It simultaneously gives others an opportunity to strengthen their bond with your newborn. While you don't need to breast pump exclusively, not having the option to collect and store milk can lead to a reliance on formula in times of an emergency. Luckily, Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance covered breast pumps can be acquired with no out of pocket cost to you.
Why Are Breast Pumps Covered Under BCBS?
While many people go years without needing to fully understand the scope of their insurance, having a baby quickly turns you into expert. If you're delivering in the hospital, it's important to know what your insurance covers and what it does not. Take the time to talk to your provider and the hospital to avoid unexpected costs. Then you'll need to sort out regular doctor's appointments, any vitamins, vaccinations, or medications your baby will need, and ongoing developmental checkups. To make sure that you start off on the right foot, Blue Cross Blue Shield offers insurance covered breast pumps and breastfeeding support.
Breast pumps are considered durable medical equipment (DME), which is a type of equipment that provides therapeutic benefits to a patient in need due to certain conditions or illnesses. Because of this, and longstanding research on the benefits of breastmilk to a growing baby, the Affordable Care Act now requires insurance providers to cover the cost of a breast pump for new and expecting mothers.
With that being said, coverage varies by state and insurance plan. Most BCBS plans will cover the full cost of a double electric breast pump, but some states or policies have limitations and contingencies in place. For example, BCBS Florida and BSBC New Jersey both require that you have a prescription and prior authorization to access your free coverage. Other states, like BCBS Illinois, offer breast pump coverage that extends to include items like pregnancy support bands, postpartum recovery clothes, compression stockings, and breast pump accessories. Lactation consultants may also be included in your coverage options, which are a great resource if your baby is struggling to find a good latch or you're dealing with other breastfeeding issues.
The best way to make sure that you fully understand what you can and cannot access through your BCBS coverage is to call them directly or work with a medical supply company like Byram Healthcare. Using our system, it's easy to order your breast pump through Blue Cross Blue Shield.
How to Get a Breast Pump Through Blue Cross Blue Shield
The first step to getting a breast pump through BCBS is confirming your insurance coverage and seeing if there are any specific processes or extra steps you need to case—such as in the case of a required prescription. Your insurance is who decides when you will get your breast pump and, in some cases, may deny coverage. This is usually due to you choosing a breast pump that has features that fall outside of their benefits. To avoid complications or roadblocks along the way, start by double checking your coverage process and parameters.
During your call with your BCBS representative, ask as many questions as you can think of. Use this time to fully understand everything you'll need to know regarding qualifications, timelines, and added coverage options. Ask about brand names, manual or electric pumps, hospital-grade coverage, and eligibility. Make sure you confirm whether or not you'll need a prescription and when you can order your breast pump. Finally, ask about the buying process. While we recommend using Byram's BCBS approved medical supply order form, some providers allow you to shop retail and submit a receipt.
Once you know what your BCBS insurance covered options are, spend some time doing research. There are hundreds of different makes, models, and features available for breast pumps. They come in both single and double, manual and electric, and offer automatic features that can help your body's natural let-down process. Think about what features you want, whether or not you want something portable, and where you'll be using your breast pump.
When you've done an adequate amount of research, look for a reputable medical supply company. Byram Healthcare is a leading medical supply company that advocates for the rights of nursing women. We carry a wide variety of breast pumps to fit all of your needs and offer outstanding customer service to help you through the ordering process.
Insurance Covered Breast Pumps and Supplies
After speaking with BCBS, researching your breast pump options, and finding the right medical supply company, it's time to place your order. Regardless of if you decide on purchasing a Medela breast pump, a Spectra pump, an Evenflo pump, or another leading brand, always check to make sure that you have the proper accessories. BCBS often covers accessories and replacement pump parts such as pump tubes, flanges, valves, and even milk storage containers. In recent years, they've also started covering maternity compression garments (belly bands), which help to provide support and stabilization both during pregnancy and throughout postpartum healing.
Again, always confirm the coverage of any additional supplies with your provider. While it's a little extra effort, it's worth it to ask. A few minutes on the phone could lead to hundreds of dollars in savings.
Breastfeeding is an important part of a healthy development. Breastmilk provides essential nutrients and vitamins that aid in a growing body and a strong immune system. While nursing is a great way to improve the bond between you and your baby, you won't be with your baby 100% of the time from birth until you introduce solid foods. To make sure that you're providing the opportunity for proper nourishment while you're away, order a Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance covered breast pump today.
Byram Healthcare is proud to partner with Blue Cross Blue Shield to provide insurance covered breast pumps to new and expecting moms. To help you get started, all you need to do is walk through the steps when prompted. If you have any questions, or would like to speak to a Byram representative, reach out using the live chat option on our website. Since coverage varies based on state and insurance policy, make sure that you call your local Blue Cross Blue Shield representative with any insurance-related questions or concerns.
Source: https://breastpumps.byramhealthcare.com/blog/2021/04/02/blue-cross-blue-shield-insurance-covered-breast-pumps
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