Breast pumps have become a must-have for many new moms. Whether you’re returning to work, traveling, or simply need more flexibility in your feeding routine, a breast pump can make life a lot easier. However, the cost of a pump can add extra financial stress during an already expensive time.
The good news? Many insurance plans cover breast pumps, often at no cost to you. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most health insurance providers are required to include breast pumps in their coverage. That means you could save hundreds of dollars by ordering your pump through insurance instead of buying it out of pocket.
Milk Moms is here to guide you through this process and make it as smooth as possible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding your coverage to choosing the right pump and placing your order.
Why Do Moms Need a Breast Pump?
Breastfeeding is one of the healthiest and most natural ways to feed your baby, but it isn’t always easy. Between late-night feedings, returning to work, or being away from home, breastfeeding can be challenging.
A breast pump offers flexibility and convenience by allowing you to:
- Pump and store milk so your baby can be fed when you’re not around.
- Maintain or increase milk supply by keeping up with pumping when your baby isn’t nursing.
- Share feeding responsibilities with your partner, family members, or caregivers.
In short, a breast pump can make the breastfeeding journey smoother and less stressful for both mom and baby.
Types of Breast Pumps Covered by Insurance
There are three main types of pumps you may come across:
- Manual Breast Pumps – Hand-operated and simple to use, but require more effort.
- Electric Breast Pumps – The most common type, powered by electricity or batteries, and designed for daily use.
- Hospital-Grade Pumps – Heavy-duty pumps often used in special medical situations, such as low milk supply or premature babies.
Most moms get an electric breast pump through insurance because it’s reliable, convenient, and designed for frequent use.
How the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Helps Moms
Since 2010, the ACA has required most insurance plans to cover a breast pump at no extra cost. In most cases, this includes a standard electric pump, though the exact models and features may vary by plan.
Coverage usually applies if you are:
- Pregnant,
- Have recently given birth, or
- Have adopted a baby (in many cases).
This law has made pumps much more accessible for families, saving moms hundreds of dollars.
How to Check If Your Insurance Covers a Pump
The easiest way to confirm coverage is to contact your insurance company directly. When you call, ask:
- Does my plan cover a standard electric breast pump?
- When am I eligible to order it?
- Do I need a prescription from my doctor?
At Milk Moms, we take care of this step for you. We verify your insurance benefits, explain what’s covered, and guide you through the process—all at no cost to you.
When Can You Get a Breast Pump?
Most insurance plans allow you to order your pump anytime during pregnancy or after your baby is born. However, some plans may have rules, such as:
- Only allowing you to order during your third trimester, or
- Requiring you to wait until you’re within 30 days of your due date.
It’s always best to check early so you can plan ahead.
What If My Insurance Doesn’t Cover a Pump?
While rare, not every plan offers full coverage. If your insurance doesn’t cover a pump, you’ll need to purchase one out of pocket.
The good news is that:
- Milk Moms offers discounted pricing on pumps for moms without coverage.
- You can use HSA, FSA, or Flex accounts to help pay for your pump.
This can ease the financial burden and still give you access to the pump you need.
Base Models vs. Upgraded Pumps
Insurance usually covers a base model pump, which includes all the essentials. However, some moms choose to get an upgraded pump, which may include:
- More advanced features (like quieter motors or stronger suction),
- Extra accessories, or
- Added convenience (such as wearable options).
Since upgraded pumps go beyond what’s considered “medically necessary,” insurance does not usually cover the extra cost. If you choose an upgrade, you’ll pay the difference out of pocket.
What Documentation Is Needed?
Most insurance companies require a doctor’s prescription before they’ll cover a pump. The good news is that most healthcare providers are very familiar with this process and are happy to provide one.
Milk Moms can help with this step too—we even have templates to make it easy for your provider to complete the prescription quickly.
How Milk Moms Makes the Process Easy
With over 20 years of experience, Milk Moms has helped countless families get breast pumps through insurance. Here’s how we simplify the process:
- Insurance Verification – We handle the paperwork and confirm your coverage.
- Wide Selection – We offer many different pump models so you can find one that fits your lifestyle.
- Expert Guidance – We provide free consultations to help you choose the best pump for your needs.
Our goal is to remove the stress and confusion so you can focus on what matters most—caring for your baby.
Final Thoughts
Getting a breast pump through insurance may seem complicated at first, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right help, the process is simple and stress-free.
At Milk Moms, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—from checking your insurance coverage to helping you pick the perfect pump. Whether you qualify for a fully covered model or decide to upgrade for extra features, we’ll make sure you feel supported and informed.
