BreastPumps

Can I Get Two Breast Pumps Through Insurance? Charlotte Rose Charlotte is a certified lactation consultant, mother of two, and founder of Breast Pumps Hub. With over 8 years of experience helping new mothers navigate breastfeeding challenges, she’s passionate about making evidence-based information accessible to all parents. Can I get two breast pumps through insurance? The short answer is: it depends on your specific insurance policy and circumstances, but typically, most insurance plans cover only one breast pump per pregnancy. However, there are certain situations where you might qualify for a second pump through your insurance. While some insurance plans may offer replacement parts or upgrades, they typically only cover the standard pump model. If you need more than one breast pump through insurance, you’ll likely be responsible for the cost of any additional pumps. As a mom who’s navigated the breast pump insurance landscape multiple times, I’ve spent countless hours researching policies, talking to insurance representatives, and helping other moms understand their benefits. Today, I’m going to share everything I know about getting multiple breast pumps covered by insurance. For many new mothers, a quality breast pump is essential—not just a convenience but a necessity for continuing to provide breast milk while returning to work, managing supply issues, or dealing with certain medical conditions. Understanding your insurance coverage for breast pumps can save you hundreds of dollars and ensure you have the equipment you need for your breastfeeding journey. Insurance Coverage Under the ACA Before diving into whether you can get multiple pumps, it’s important to understand the baseline coverage. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most insurance plans to cover breastfeeding support and equipment, including breast pumps. This requirement applies to most health insurance plans, though there are some exceptions for grandfathered plans. Typically, insurance plans provide coverage for: One breast pump per pregnancy Either a rental or a purchase of a pump (depending on the plan) Coverage that may begin during pregnancy or after birth (timing varies by plan) The specifics of what type of pump is covered (manual, battery-operated, electric, or hospital-grade), when you can receive it, and how to obtain it vary widely between different insurance providers and plans. Can You Get Two Breast Pumps Through Insurance? The standard coverage under most insurance plans is one breast pump per birth. However, I’ve found through personal experience and consultation with numerous insurance providers that there are exceptions to this rule. Insurance companies recognize that certain circumstances may warrant coverage for a second breast pump. Here’s what I’ve learned about the possibilities of getting a second pump covered: While most insurance plans default to covering just one pump per pregnancy, their policies often include provisions for exceptional circumstances where additional equipment may be medically necessary. Situations Where You Might Qualify for a Second Breast Pump In my years of helping moms navigate breast pump insurance coverage, I’ve found that the following situations often qualify for coverage of a second pump: 1. Medical Necessity If your doctor determines that you need a different type of pump due to medical reasons, your insurance may cover it. For example, if you initially received a standard electric pump but later developed issues that require a hospital-grade pump, your doctor can provide documentation justifying the medical necessity. 2. Pump Malfunction or Damage If your original pump malfunctions or becomes damaged within the warranty period, the manufacturer should replace it. However, if the warranty has expired, some insurance companies will cover a replacement—especially if you’re still within the breastfeeding period they typically cover (usually up to one year postpartum). 3. Subsequent Pregnancies Most insurance plans will cover a new breast pump for each pregnancy, even if they’re close together. I’ve personally received a new pump for my second child just 18 months after getting one for my first—the insurance company considered each birth a separate qualifying event. 4. Change in Insurance Plans If you switch insurance providers between pregnancies or even during a pregnancy, your new insurance plan may cover a breast pump regardless of whether you received one through previous coverage. 5. Multiple Births Some insurance companies recognize that mothers of multiples (twins, triplets, etc.) may need additional equipment. In these cases, they might approve coverage for a second pump or for rental of a hospital-grade pump in addition to a personal pump. 6. Return to Work Needs If you’re returning to work and need to maintain a pumping schedule both at work and home, some insurance plans will cover a second pump with proper documentation from your healthcare provider explaining why having two locations for pumping necessitates two devices. How to Request a Second Breast Pump Through Insurance If you believe you qualify for a second breast pump, here’s what I recommend based on my experience: Contact your insurance provider directly – Call the number on the back of your insurance card and specifically ask about coverage for additional breast pumps. Document who you spoke with, when, and what they said. Get a prescription or letter of medical necessity – Ask your healthcare provider to write a detailed prescription or letter explaining why you need an additional or different breast pump. The more specific they can be about your medical needs, the better. Work with a medical supply company – Companies that specialize in providing breast pumps through insurance often have experience navigating these requests. They can sometimes advocate on your behalf to get coverage approved. Submit an appeal if denied – If your initial request is denied, don’t give up! You have the right to appeal the decision. Include any additional documentation from your healthcare provider that supports your case. Check if your HSA or FSA can help – If your insurance won’t cover a second pump, remember that you can use funds from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to purchase breast pumps and supplies. In my experience helping moms through this process, persistence is key. Insurance representatives may initially say no because that’s