EDITOR: CALLAN
If you’re nursing, then at some point, you’re probably going to need to pump. And in case you haven’t already realized – baby stuff can get a little pricey. Buying a quality electric pump can cost you anywhere in the $150-$300 range, and that’s just for the standard, double pump. The wear-in-bra styles can get even pricier. But there’s good news!
Did you know that most health insurance plans are required to cover breastfeeding services and supplies?
Did you know that most health insurance plans are required to cover breastfeeding services and supplies? Which means you can probably get your pump completely for FREE. And even better, there are several services out there that will coordinate this for you – also completely for free. They’re basically like pharmacies for pumps.
So how do I get my pump for free?
I used Acelleron.com to coordinate getting my pump, but there are several other websites that provide the same services – see resources below for a shortlist of other options. All I had to do was:
- Get a prescription from my healthcare provider for an electric breast pump
- Fill out the form on Acelleron’s website
- Pick out my pump
They validated my information and shipped my pump to me – and I didn’t spend a penny.
And that was literally it. They validated my information and shipped my pump to me – and I didn’t spend a penny. However, I picked a FREE pump. Not all pumps are equally covered by insurance, so if you have your heart set on the Cadillac of pumps, it probably won’t be covered. Best case scenario, it will be partially covered.
When should I get my pump?
I ordered my pump right around the middle of my 3rd trimester. This gave me time to receive it, figure out how to use it, and sterilize all the parts before my daughter was born. I didn’t really think about the sterilizing/cleaning aspect of a breast pump until it was in my hands and I was reading the directions. You have to take it apart and clean every little piece, and then boil them before you can use it. You will definitely want to do that BEFORE the baby arrives, so it’s ready to go as soon as you need it.
Resources for a Free Breast Pump
Below are some websites that offer the service I went into above. Alternatively, you can also coordinate directly with your insurance provider to understand your benefits and reimbursement options.
