Categories: Baby, Breastfeeding, Employer, Insurance, Parenting, Pumping
June 28, 2022
Families shouldn’t have to worry about how they feed their babies. Sadly, with this unprecedented formula crisis, parents are forced to make tough decisions with little support. The fact of the matter is that employers, insurance companies, and lawmakers need to increase access to breastfeeding supplies and lactation consultants for their breastfeeding and pumping parents. Here is how you can help make that happen.
Get Insurance Support
There are certain insurance plans that cover pumping supplies such as breastmilk storage bags and breast pump replacement parts. It is our belief, especially with the challenges finding formula for babies, that breast pumping supplies should be fully covered by all insurance plans. In fact, the AAHomecare Breastfeeding Coalition is calling for just that in a recent press release.
Breastmilk Storage Bags
If Acelleron is in network with your insurance or Medicaid plan, it is super easy to get breastmilk storage bags. Simply fill out this Breastmilk Storage Bag Resupply Program form to get started. If you don’t have a prescription, we’ll reach out to your provider to get one for you. After that, we’ll send you breastmilk storage bags based your insurance coverage. It’s that easy!
Breast Pump Replacement Parts
Just as with breastmilk storage bags, some insurance and Medicaid plans also cover breast pump replacement parts. Visit our Insurance Covered Breast Pump Accessories page to find out if your insurance or Medicaid plan has coverage for breast pump replacement parts.
Insurance plan not listed?
Don’t get too discouraged if you do not see your insurance plan listed. There are steps you can take to encourage your insurance provider to cover these for you and future parents.
Contact your insurance provider directly and let them know they should cover a monthly supply of breastmilk storage bags under code K1005 and breast pump replacement parts under codes A4281 – A4286 as these supplies are critical to your pumping experience. Similar to breast pumps, breast pump supplies should be covered and not subject to a deductible or co-insurance to comply with the Affordable Care Act. Let them know they can better support their members and increase breastfeeding duration rates by covering breastmilk storage bags and breast pump replacement parts.
- Call the Member Services phone number found on your card
- Message Member Services either with the email address found on their contact page or through your member portal
- Visit their Facebook page or Tweet @ them and urge them to act
- Ask your friends, family, and coworkers to reach out too!
Get Employer Support
If your employer is not lactation-friendly, you are not alone. Often, employers want to support their employees but don’t know where to start. We can provide resources for your employer to help them better support you and all of their lactating employees.
Get Lawmaker Support
It takes everyone getting on board for there to be adequate support for breastfeeding and pumping parents, including lawmakers. Be vocal with your state senators and representative in congress. Ask your state U.S. senators to support the PUMP Act, which would legally require even more employers to support parents and give protections for pumping at work.
We Are in This Together
We are seeing more insurance plans, employers, and states take action to support breastfeeding and pumping families. At Acelleron, we are already asking for these changes on your behalf. When we combine forces as parents, wellness advocates, and policy makers, we will be able to see these meaningful changes sooner and on a wider scale. Together, we can make an impact for your family now and for those in the future.