How to Order Your Cigna Insurance Covered Breast Pump
Cigna is a global health service company that was established in 1981. Since then, they’ve been dedicated to their mission of improving the health, well-being, and peace of mind of those they serve by making health care simple, affordable, and predictable. Cigna is a partner in total health and wellness, 24/7 and they always work with their core values in mind to give their clients what they need. In addition to transparency, Cigna makes sure that expecting mothers around the United States have the coverage they need for a healthy, successful breastfeeding experience. To supplement breastfeeding, Cigna offers insurance covered breast pumps to new and expecting mothers to help maximize nutrition, convenience, and mobility. To get started, here’s everything you need to know about how to order your Cigna insurance covered breast pump.
The Benefits of Supplementing Breastfeeding with Breast Pumping
Many moms choose to breastfeed during the first few months of their baby’s lives due to the high nutritional, emotional, and developmental benefits it brings. Breast milk is packed with nutrients that help strengthen your baby’s immune system. It gives them all the vitamins and minerals they need for a healthy brain development alongside robust physical growth. While nursing, the bond between baby and mom strengthens due to the skin-to-skin contact, which can help a baby develop a deepened connection and more emotional stability later in life.
Another great benefit of breastfeeding is that it reduces the likelihood that your baby will suffer from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma, childhood obesity, certain infections, respiratory diseases, and more. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months with continued breastfeeding while introducing appropriate complimentary foods for 1 year or longer.
By utilizing a breast pump, you can extend these benefits to your baby regardless of if you’re physically there or not. Breast pumping allows you to build a milk supply so you can let your partner take over feedings every once in a while or so you can return to work. However, purchasing a breast pump out of pocket can be expensive, which is why Cigna offers insurance covered breast pumps under the Affordable Care Act.
Understanding the Affordable Care Act
Breastfeeding is an individual choice, but it’s not a luxury awarded to all new mothers. When you have to be away from your baby for work or other responsibilities, you can ensure that they still receive the proper nutrition breast milk offers with the use of a breast pump. That’s why the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted in March 2010. The ACA is a health care reform law that aimed to make affordable healthcare more available, expand the Medicaid program, and support innovative medical care methods. Due to scientifically-backed research regarding the health and development benefits of breast milk, law makers made it a legal requirement that health insurance providers must offer plans that cover breastfeeding support, counseling, and certain equipment throughout the duration of breastfeeding.
Depending on insurance specifications, the supported services can be provided before or after birth and extend to each new pregnancy. Since breast pumps help to facilitate the proven health benefits of breast milk, they’re classified as durable medical equipment (DME). This entitles all new or expecting mothers to receive an insurance covered breast pump with zero out of pocket costs.
To comply with the Affordable Care Act, Cigna insurance offers unique coverage options for their clients around the country. However, that coverage varies and there are exceptions and limitations.
Different Types of Cigna Insurance Covered Breast Pumps
If you plan to use a breast pump, it’s a good idea to research your options ahead of time. When comparing different models, think about how often you’ll need to use it, when you’ll be using it, and how long you’re going to breastfeed and pump. This can give you more insight as to whether a manual or electric pump will best fit your needs.
Manual Breast Pumps
Manual breast pumps are operated by hand and mimic manual expression. They’re great for mothers who don’t plan to breast pump that often, but still want to have assistance when they need it. Cigna insurance covered manual breast pumps are great to relieve engorgement and easy to carry around. If you plan to be pumping every day, or several times throughout the day, an electric breast pump is recommended. Please note that Byram does not carry manual breast pumps.
Electric Breast Pumps
Electric breast pumps are either battery powered or plug into an outlet. The settings allow for a cycling of suction options, which mimic the way a newborn breastfeeds. This helps to encourage let down and get more milk out faster. Electric pumps are the preferred option for women who plan to use their breast pump several times throughout the day. Some models are larger, but there are plenty of portable electric breast pumps for moms on the go.
Cigna insurance covers certain types of electric breast pumps, but some brands may fall outside of the policy. Always check with your insurance provider to learn more information regarding the specific brands and models that are covered under your unique plan.
Cigna’s insurance coverage for breast pumps and supplies varies across plans. Refer to your benefit plan document for specific details or call a local representative today. Most manual and standard electric breast pumps are covered, as they’re considered a medical necessity for many new mothers. If you need to use a hospital grade breast pump, you may be eligible if you’re having trouble with breastfeeding or either the infant or mother have a condition or anomaly that prevents effective breastfeeding. Cigna does not currently cover wireless breast pumps under their insurance plan.
Do Cigna Insurance Covered Breast Pumps Include a Warranty?
Many breast pumps come with a limited one-year warranty, but always check the manufacturer’s description prior to making an assumption. It’s also important to fully understand your Cigna insurance policy, as some extend coverage to breast pump replacement parts. The degree of coverage varies, but many women are able to get replacement tubing, bottles and caps, adapters, and breast shields if something goes wrong with their current ones. Again, always double check with your insurance provider to better understand what your coverage includes.
Requirements for Ordering a Cigna Insurance Covered Breast Pump
The primary requirement for obtaining a Cigna insurance covered breast pump is a doctor’s prescription and prior authorization. While this may seem daunting, it’s an easy step to complete. One thing to note is that this prescription must signify whether you’ll need a manual or electric breast pump. The brand or model does not need to be communicated. You can talk to your doctor directly about writing a prescription or you can use Byram Healthcare’s three-step ordering process to get started today. Since processing can take a few days, make sure that you submit your information sooner rather than later to avoid delays.
How to Order a Cigna Insurance Covered Breast Pump
Ordering your Cigna insurance covered breast pump is easier than ever with Byram’s three-step ordering process. If you already have your prescription, you can get started right away and submit the necessary documents. If you don’t currently have a prescription, talk to your doctor today. Make sure that you’ve done your research on the type of breast pump you want and give yourself a few options in case coverage varies. There are a lot of different models on the market, and you’ll want to thoroughly research each to find something that fits your needs. Cigna insurance covered breast pumps can be obtained during the final week of pregnancy, giving you time to fully understand how to work them before your baby arrives.
Byram Healthcare offers an easy, three-step ordering process to receive your breast pump at no cost through Cigna. If you have all the required documentation and everything is approved, Byram Healthcare will ship and deliver your breast pump within 4-7 business days following insurance processing. If you need to obtain a prescription, Byram can help with that during the order processing. Just make sure that you include the name of your primary care physician or OB/GYN.
Byram Healthcare is a proud partner of Cigna insurance. Together with providers, we work together to make the process of ordering an insurance covered breast pump as easy and straightforward as possible. To get started, simply browse our selection of breast pumps, and begin your order. If you have any insurance-related questions or concerns, contact your Cigna representative or one of the breast pump experts at Byram Healthcare.
