Breastfeeding creates a strong bond between a mother and her baby. It’s a special experience filled with love and care. Many moms also choose to use a breast pump to make feeding more flexible. Pumping can help you store extra milk for when you go back to work, need to run errands, or want to enjoy a night out with friends or your partner.
Pumping also helps in other ways. It can support milk supply, help clear clogged milk ducts, and even ease pain from conditions like mastitis. Since motherhood can be full of surprises, having a breast pump on hand helps you feel more prepared for any bumps along the way and you may be surprised to find free breast pump through your insurance plan.
Will Medicaid Pay for My Breast Pump?
If you have Medicaid health insurance, you might wonder if it will pay for a breast pump. In most cases, the answer is yes!
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many health insurance plans—including Medicaid—must cover the cost of a breast pump. There are a few rules depending on your state and plan, but many moms can get a free breast pump through insurance. If you have Medicaid, this guide will help you find and order your pump easily.
While every Medicaid plan is different, most will cover an electric breast pump. To check your coverage, you can call your insurance provider or visit a trusted online breast pump supplier to see if you qualify.
What Breast Pumps Does Medicaid Cover?
The breast pumps available to you will depend on your Medicaid plan, your state, and which supplier you use. It’s a good idea to look at several suppliers and compare their pump options. Some suppliers might carry a model you like more than others.
Some popular breast pumps that may be covered include the Smartpump 3.0 Lifestyle Set, the Signature Pro® Double Electric Breast Pump, and the DiscreetDuo Wearable Pump.
These pumps are lightweight and easy to carry, so you can use them at home or while out and about. They also offer soft flanges for comfort and different suction levels, so you can adjust the settings to match your baby’s natural feeding rhythm.
Can I Get a Wearable Breast Pump Covered by Medicaid?
Wearable breast pumps are becoming more and more popular. They make pumping easier and give moms more freedom. You can move around, get things done, or even rest while wearing one. In the past, moms with Medicaid often had to pay extra out-of-pocket for wearable pumps, which made them hard to get.
Now, with the DiscreetDuo Wearable Pump, more moms using Medicaid can enjoy the benefits of a wearable pump. This pump has four pumping styles, nine suction levels, an LED display, and soft silicone flanges to make pumping more comfortable.
How Can I Get My Breast Pump Through Medicaid?
Follow these steps to see if you qualify for a free breast pump through Medicaid or any other insurance:
- Go to the Lansinoh Insurance Locator tool
- Pick your state and insurance provider
- Choose your favorite supplier
- Look through the available Lansinoh pumps
- Pick your pump and follow the steps to verify your details
- Submit your order—your supplier will take care of the rest
Do I Need a Prescription to Get a Free Breast Pump?
Yes, most insurance plans require a prescription for a breast pump. But don’t worry—the process is usually quick and simple.
You often won’t need to get the prescription yourself. When you use the Lansinoh Insurance Locator tool and choose a supplier and pump, you’ll be asked to provide a few more details, such as:
- Your insurance information
- Your name and address
- Your due date
- Your doctor’s contact information
Your supplier will reach out to your doctor for the prescription and then ship the pump straight to your door.
Many insurance plans wait until you are around 30 weeks pregnant to send the pump. If your baby arrives early, call your supplier to speed things up. And if you’re in the hospital, they usually have pumps you can use while you’re there.
How Do I Decide Which Free Breast Pump Is Right for Me?
Picking a breast pump can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Think about how often you’ll use it. Some moms only pump every now and then, while others plan to pump daily when they return to work or school.
A few key features to look for in a breast pump include:
- Portability: Easy to take anywhere
- Strong suction: Helps express more milk in less time
- Custom settings: Lets you adjust the speed and suction to what feels best
- LED or LCD screen: Helpful for nighttime pumping
- Power options: Choose a pump with both plug-in and battery use for more flexibility
- Single or double pumping: Save time by pumping both breasts at once
- Quiet operation: So you can pump without drawing attention
Your lifestyle plays a big part in choosing the right pump. Think about where you’ll be pumping and how often, then pick the one that fits your routine best.
Can I Get a Breast Pump If I Already Delivered?
Yes! If you’ve already had your baby but didn’t receive a breast pump, you can still get one through Medicaid. Use the Lansinoh Insurance Locator tool to find a supplier and start your request.
Will Medicaid Cover a New Breast Pump with Each of My Pregnancies?
Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, will cover a new breast pump for each new full-term pregnancy. Just check with your provider to confirm.
Can I Get a Free Breast Pump Through WIC?
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a program that helps support low-income families with nutrition and health. If you don’t have insurance or your insurance won’t cover a breast pump, WIC may be able to help.
WIC may give you a manual or electric pump, or even lend you a pump while you wait for one from your insurance. They might check your insurance first before giving you a pump, but if you qualify, they’ll help you through the process.
Most WIC offices also offer support with breastfeeding at every stage—from the first feeding to weaning your baby. Visit your local WIC office to learn what’s available in your area.
What Other Breastfeeding Resources Should I Know About?
Breastfeeding is an amazing journey, but it can come with some ups and downs. Many moms need a little help along the way, whether it’s their first time or not.
Every baby is different. You may need help with storing milk, keeping up your milk supply, or teaching your baby to take a bottle. The Lansinoh Educational Library has helpful articles, videos, and guides to support you through your entire breastfeeding experience.