Breast Pump Insurance Coverage to Cause a Looming Shortage
With changes happening in the health care industry, and more specifically with the Affordable Care Act, breast pumps are now being covered under many health insurance plans. This is great news for new mothers and mothers-to-be planning to breast feed their baby as it allows them the benefits of a pump without the burden of the cost.
Insurance companies are finally agreeing that an ounce of care now may save them a pound of care in the future. With known benefits from breast milk for new born babies, the evidence has lead them to see that the small cost now may very well save them thousands later in the child’s life and it is in their best interest (and bottom line) to make this change.
Shortage of Breast Pumps, a Real Possibility?
This sudden change, as well as new mothers just finding out about the change in coverage, may lead to a rush on breast pumps causing a shortage. Breast pump retailers are scrambling to stock their shelves in anticipation of the possible shortage and hope that they will be able to supply all needing mothers a pump.
“Over the last two weeks, we’ve seen a significant increase in phone calls and sales of pumps. I don’t think we’ve ever sold this many pumps in one month.” said one business owner when asked about how the changes in the Affordable Care Act has effected them.
I’m Expecting a Baby Soon, Should I Be Worried?
As of now, most baby boutiques and maternity shops are able to keep up with the demand but it might fall to the manufacturers that will end up having difficulty keeping up with all the orders. When you open up availability to as many people as this does so suddenly, it might take some time to balance out supply and demand. My suggestion is that if you are expecting your baby soon, I would get on the move in regards to securing yourself a pump now while they are still available. It would be awfully troublesome to realize after your baby is born that you are in need of a pump only to find out it is very difficult to get your hands on one.
Should I Call my Insurance Company?
It wouldn’t hurt to call your insurance company to find out if breast pumps are covered under your policy, but many boutiques specialize in this process and can get answers more quickly than you can… and need to verify coverage for you anyway. I would just contact the boutique and inquire through them.
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