How to Get a Breast Pump Covered By Insurance

With your due date fast approaching, the list of baby gear and to-dos can seem never-ending. While nursing seems like it would help to simplify feeding time, even breastfeeding moms can’t forget about the burp cloths, nursing bras and tops, and—yes—a quality breast pump.

Even if you don’t intend to bottle feed your baby often, there are times when a breast pump can be a lifesaver. Whether you plan to leave your baby with a babysitter or are going through a difficult phase with nursing, you’ll want to have one of these on hand.


Many moms use breastfeeding sweatshirts with horizontal zippers for easy nursing access. You can open the zippers are much (or as little) as you need. 

Adding one more thing to your to-do list may not have you jumping for joy—but did you know you might be able to get a free breast pump through your health insurance? In fact, most health plans include insurance coverage for breast pumps. The process can vary depending on your specific health insurance plan, but we’ll guide you through the steps to get started so you can check this one off your list!

Step 1: Call your insurance provider.

The first thing you’ll need to do is contact your insurance provider to see what your plan covers. Most plans now provide coverage for breastfeeding equipment and support to women who are pregnant or nursing, thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

However, two exceptions to this include if you have a grandfathered health insurance plan, or if you have Medicaid. But that doesn’t necessarily mean a breast pump isn’t covered by your plan—it just means you need to check with your provider to find out your options.

Calling your health insurance provider will likely be the most time consuming part of getting your breast pump through insurance. This is where you’ll find out what you’re eligible for and your next steps. Ask specific questions so you know exactly what you need to do. You’ll want to find out:

• Your plan’s breast pump insurance coverage. Ask if you will be getting a free breast pump with insurance, a low-cost breast pump, or renting a breast pump through your plan. If you’ll be renting the pump, find out how long you can keep it.

• If you need a prescription. Some insurance plans or Medicaid may require a prescription from your OB-GYN. 

• What kind of pump is covered. Find out if there’s a specific brand and model of breast pump that’s covered and if it’s a manual or electric pump.

• How to get your pump. In some cases, there may be a specific medical supply store that you need to order and pick up your breast pump from. Or you may be able to order yours over the phone or online and have it shipped to you. In either case, ask your insurance for the vendor’s contact information so you can easily set up your order.

• When you’ll receive your pump. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get your breast pump before your baby is born. However, some plans will require you to wait until after birth.

Step 2: Talk to your doctor or midwife.

Depending on your health plan, you may need to reach out to your OB-GYN or midwife for a prescription in order to get a free breast pump through insurance. Fortunately, most women’s health clinics already know what they need to do to help you get set up with a breast pump, so don’t be shy about asking.

If a prescription is required, your doctor may need to ask a few questions to deem a breast pump medically necessary for insurance purposes. For example, they may ask:

• Do you plan on feeding your baby breastmilk or formula?

• Will others be caring for your baby from time to time?

• Will you be returning to work while your baby is still breastfeeding?

• If your baby has already been born, are there any medical conditions that make nursing difficult?

Don’t worry too much about answering these questions perfectly—just communicate openly and honestly with your health care team and they should be able to help get your prescription taken care of. 

Step 3: Order your pump.

Once you have all of the necessary information and paperwork done, you can order your breast pump through your insurance provider’s chosen vendor. Depending on your plan, this may involve sending a prescription to a medical supply store and confirming your insurance information, or it could be a quick phone call or online order. In some cases, you may have to pay for the breast pump up front before you are reimbursed for the cost.

If you’re lucky, you may have your free breast pump shipped right to your door—this was the case with my second child. But it’s also possible you may have to go in-person to the medical supply store to pick up your pump, as I did with my firstborn. So much really just depends on your current health insurance plan.

Breastfeeding tees with hidden zipper access are also a great option for pumping moms! Some moms also prefer lift up or pull aside access when pumping.

FAQs

Can I get a free breast pump through Medicaid?

Medicaid coverage of breastfeeding services varies by state, but many states do offer free breast pumps through Medicaid, according to a report by Kaiser Family Foundation. However, you may still need a prescription or prior authorization, so reach out to your provider for more information.

What can I do if I don’t have insurance coverage for breast pumps?

If for some reason you aren’t eligible for a free breast pump through insurance, or you don’t have health insurance, you may still be able to get a pump or rent one through WIC Breastfeeding Support. If your child has a medical condition that makes nursing difficult, you may also be able to get a prescription for a breast pump—ask your insurance provider if this is an option.

Which breast pumps are covered by insurance?

You may have heard that you can get certain breast pumps free with insurance, including popular brands or double-electric pumps, but be sure to check with your insurance provider first. While your plan may give you some options to choose from, they may have a specific brand and model you need to get. Plus, there’s a process you need to follow in order for insurance to cover it.

Keep in mind that the breastfeeding and postpartum support covered by your insurance includes more than a free breast pump. Reach out to your insurance provider and health care team to find out what other benefits may be available to you, like lactation support and counseling. Being a new mom is hard work, but you don’t have to do it all alone!