Breast Pump PSA

[nitecheese]

Hi all!  I wanted to post this in the event that it can help anyone else on the board. When I contacted my insurance a few weeks ago (Anthem BCBS) about what breast pumps they covered, I was told that they would only cover a manual pump. I had a shit fit. A friend of mine from my D13 BMB suggested that I contact Aeroflow. I filled out their online order and I was approved for an electric pump. The only thing they need is a prescription from my OB, which the office will happily supply. 

Now, I'm just waiting on them to ship my Spectra S2 (which I've heard really good things about). I'm so glad that it is one less item I have to but OOP.

[frecklesnbrains]

Thanks! I'd heard of this service (here perhaps?) but forgot the details so I've been meaning to find it. Just submitted my info on their form online!

[shoogars]

I just worked with Aeroflow and they were so easy! My Spectra S2 should be here tomorrow!

It's interesting that my insurance company (UHC) did not include them in their approved suppliers list, but I tried anyway and was approved:)

[microworm]

Curious - how is this any different than any other medical supply company? I went to their site and it looks like they do the same thing as others (Edgepark, McKesson); ie contact insurance for coverage and require a prescription from your Dr.

ETA I have noticed that different suppliers will qualify you for different pumps, even though they all check with your insurance. Like one site said an Ameda with an upgrade was covered under my insurance while with another it wasn't. I wonder why. Maybe variations in negotiated price? 

[nitecheese]

May 4, 2016 8:31:12 GMT -5 microworm said:

Curious - how is this any different than any other medical supply company? I went to their site and it looks like they do the same thing as others (Edgepark, McKesson); ie contact insurance for coverage and require a prescription from your Dr.

In that case, I suppose it isn't. I was just impressed with their response time and selection of pumps. I was also fearing that nothing would be covered because my insurance kept giving me the run around. 

[microworm]

May 4, 2016 8:33:45 GMT -5 nitecheese said:

May 4, 2016 8:31:12 GMT -5 microworm said:

Curious - how is this any different than any other medical supply company? I went to their site and it looks like they do the same thing as others (Edgepark, McKesson); ie contact insurance for coverage and require a prescription from your Dr.

In that case, I suppose it isn't. I was just impressed with their response time and selection of pumps. I was also fearing that nothing would be covered because my insurance kept giving me the run around. 

Yes that is weird. Look at my update to my post above. Pump offerings seem to vary based on supply company, even though they all go back to your insurance.

[nitecheese]

May 4, 2016 8:38:24 GMT -5 microworm said:

May 4, 2016 8:33:45 GMT -5 nitecheese said:

In that case, I suppose it isn't. I was just impressed with their response time and selection of pumps. I was also fearing that nothing would be covered because my insurance kept giving me the run around. 

Yes that is weird. Look at my update to my post above. Pump offerings seem to vary based on supply company, even though they all go back to your insurance.

Interesting. What I find weird is that if it is solely based on cost, why a cheaper electric option wouldn't be covered as well as a manual. 

Seriously, how can a company only offer a manual pump. My OB was shocked. 

[frecklesnbrains]

Can someone give out info and/or links to some of the other suppliers you've seen advertised or tried? It seems like shopping around a bit might be useful, especially if you're disappointed with the options provided.

[shoogars]

The other suppliers I looked at were:

Edgepark, Byram Healthcare, Lucina Care and Medline...

[Andrea]

One of my friends did this and ended up getting a bill for the difference (200 ish dollars) several weeks later because her insurance only covered a manual pump.

Just triple check with everyone before you order.

[Andrea]

Also if your insurance company does not list them as a carrier, they may be considered out of network and may not cover you 100%. UHC was very specific in this when I spoke with them on the phone to discuss my options.

[sandandsea]

I have united healthcare and was given 5 options or so. Edge park, byram, medline, something at Walmart and one or two others. They said to call around because a double electric is covered but different suppliers have different Types. They also suggested the Medela which I used successfully last time and was getting again so I can leave one at work and one home.

ETA:  The other ones were DME@ Walmart and McKesson

[happyday]

I have Cigna and they covered three dbl electric options. Medela Ameda and hygeia. I had a Medela last time and it was fine... But I'm reading good things about the ameda. Any feedback?

[sandandsea]

May 4, 2016 11:12:22 GMT -5 happyday said:

I have Cigna and they covered three dbl electric options. Medela Ameda and hygeia. I had a Medela last time and it was fine... But I'm reading good things about the ameda. Any feedback?

I was active on the BF board last time and a lot of people liked the Ameda Purely Yours or whatever it was called.  I'm sticking with the Medela PISA this time so I can use my old one too and swap parts as needed.  And, I figure if it worked last time, why mess with it.  Really though, it's about having parts that work with both and not having to carry it back and forth to work all the time!

[2dogs2kids]

May 4, 2016 9:12:58 GMT -5 frecklesnbrains said:

Can someone give out info and/or links to some of the other suppliers you've seen advertised or tried? It seems like shopping around a bit might be useful, especially if you're disappointed with the options provided.

I ordered mine at a local moms wellness place. They basically just faxed the paper work with my prescription to acelleron (a local medical supply company). A few days later acelleron emailed me with the pumps that are covered by my insurance. I told them what I wanted and they sent it to me. The whole process took 7-10 days.

Freckles, I know you are in the Boston area and acelleron is located in North Andover. It looks like they have some kind of store/maternal wellness center that you could visit and possibly check out the pumps but you could at least look at their website. If you put in your insurance they will give you a list of ones that are covered.

[txmommy14]

I ordered mine from Byram and it was easy! If you call your insurance, they should be able to give you a list of suppliers. That is interesting that some suppliers that provided more options weren't on the list though! I wonder if they do that on purpose. :/