If you’re an expecting or new mom, here’s something you need to know: almost all health plans (except those grandfathered) are legally required to provide breastfeeding equipment, breastfeeding support, and breastfeeding counseling to you, while your breastfeeding, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This means under most insurance providers you are legally entitled to a free breast pump. But—there’s a catch. How the benefits are administered can vary widely depending on your insurance plan, and what they offer vs. what they’ll actually reimburse can be two very different things.
When I was pregnant with my first son I had no idea about this benefit. I had gotten a lot of advice about what pumps to buy, but no one mentioned this insurance benefit. Here’s how I got my Elvie Double Wear Breast Pump (approx. a $500 value) fully reimbursed by insurance — and how you might be able to do the same.
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My Personal Experience: Buying My Own Pump & Getting Reimbursed
As a first-time mom, I was overwhelmed with pump options and knew I wanted something hands-free, quiet, and wearable. I also wanted an efficient pump that could be used when just watching TV. I had my eye on the Elvie Double Wearable Pump — one of the more expensive pumps on the market — and saw it on Amazon for over $500. In almost every Instagram post I also saw moms with the super popular Spectra S1. I had been debating between the two, but after learning insurance covers a pump, I thought maybe I could get one through my insurance.
When I went to my insurance providers website, I found a lot of information online about the benefit. As with many providers though, the benefits page took me to a third party site where I could directly buy from a select group of pumps at no cost to me. None of the ones offered were ones I was considering, so I looked back at the benefit page to re-read the language. The language seemed to imply I could choose any pump, but it was not super clear, and did not offer many details.
Before buying, I called my insurance provider to understand what my options were. To my surprise, they told me:
“You can choose any breast pump you want, from any retailer, and simply submit the receipt for reimbursement. We’ll cover one pump per pregnancy.”
I didn’t need to use their online portal or choose from a limited set of pre-approved options. So I purchased the more expensive of the two options I was considering, the Elvie pump through Amazon, submitted my receipt… and 30 days later, I had a check in the mail for the full amount.
It felt like a huge win, and it’s a benefit many new moms aren’t even aware they’re entitled to.
Note: I also wanted the stronger Spectra S1 for everyday use, so I added it to my baby registry.
You can find the Elvie Double Wearable Breast Pump and Spectra S1 Breast Pump here.
What Breast Pump Coverage You’re Legally Entitled To
Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance providers must cover the cost of a breast pump for new mothers. You can read more about this on HealthCare.gov’s Breastfeeding Benefits Page.
But while the law guarantees a pump, it doesn’t specify the type (manual vs. electric, standard vs. wearable), timing (before or after birth), or how the benefit is administered. That means every insurance plan is different, and you’ll need to do some legwork to make sure you get the pump that works best for you.
What Most Insurance Companies Offer — And What They Don’t Always Tell You
When you reach out to your provider, they’ll likely send you to a “microsite” — a third-party site where you can choose from a handful of pumps. These options are often:
- Entry-level or standard electric pumps
- Less known brands or older models
- Not always hands-free or wearable
- Limited in availability or upgrades
But here’s the secret: many insurance providers will actually allow you to purchase your own pump outside of this list — you just have to ask.
7 Questions to Ask Your Insurance Provider Before Getting a Breast Pump
To get the most out of your benefit, make sure you call and ask your insurance provider the following:
- What type of breast pumps are covered under my plan (manual, electric, wearable)?
- Can I purchase a pump from any retailer and submit for reimbursement?
- Do I need a prescription from my OB-GYN to qualify for reimbursement?
- How many pumps are covered per pregnancy or per lifetime?
- Is there a dollar limit on how much you’ll reimburse?
- What documentation is required to submit a claim?
- Are there any approved suppliers I need to use, or can I choose my own?
Pro Tips for Getting Your Pump Reimbursed
- ✅ Always call first. Even if your plan looks clear online, benefits can vary depending on state and provider.
- ✅ Get everything in writing. If a representative says something is covered, ask them to email you a summary.
- ✅ Buy from a reputable retailer. Amazon, Target, BuyBuyBaby, and even the manufacturer’s website are typically accepted.
- ✅ Submit a detailed receipt. Make sure your name, date of purchase, and the full product name/price are listed clearly.
- ✅ Follow up! If you don’t see a check within 30-45 days, give your provider a call.
Helpful Resources
- 📄 Breastfeeding Coverage Guidelines – HealthCare.gov
- 🍼 Aeroflow Breastpumps – a popular site many insurers partner with
- 💬 La Leche League – breastfeeding support and education
Final Thoughts: Advocate for Yourself
Getting a breast pump through insurance doesn’t have to be a frustrating process — but you do need to be your own advocate. Know your rights, ask the right questions, and don’t feel pressured to settle for a pump that won’t work for your lifestyle.
If you have your heart set on a more expensive wearable pump like the Elvie or Willow, it’s worth checking whether your provider will reimburse the full cost. You might be pleasantly surprised — just like I was.
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