Health Insurance Marketplace. What are my breastfeeding benefits
The health care law requires most health insurance plans to provide breastfeeding equipment and counseling for pregnant and nursing women.
You may be able to get help with breastfeeding at no cost
Health insurance plans must provide breastfeeding support, counseling, and equipment for the duration of breastfeeding. These services may be provided before and after you have your baby.
These rules apply to Health Insurance Marketplace plans and all other health insurance plans, except for grandfathered plans.
Coverage of breast pumps
Your health insurance plan must cover the cost of a breast pump – and may offer to cover either a rental or a new one for you to keep.
Your plan may provide guidance on whether the covered pump is manual or electric, how long the coverage of a rented pump lasts, and when they’ll provide the pump (before or after you have the baby).
But it’s up to you and your doctor to decide what's right for you.
Your doctor’s breastfeeding recommendations
In many cases, your insurance plan will follow your doctor’s recommendations on what is medically appropriate. Some insurance plans may require pre-authorization from your doctor to ensure the proper services are provided. Talk to your doctor to find out what this means for you.
Contact your insurance plan for questions about your breastfeeding benefits.
