How to Get a Breast Pump Through Anthem Insurance
Anthem, Inc. is a leading health company that’s dedicated to improving lives and communities while making healthcare simpler. Anthem is a trusted health partner that serves over 117 million Americans through different plans, providers, and affiliates—making them one of the largest health benefits companies in the United States. Their vision is to be the most innovative, valuable, and inclusive partner, which is why they offer new and expecting mothers a range of support for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Anthem and their affiliates are committed to establishing a relationship with their customers, physicians, hospitals, and other health care clinicians as trusted partners. To help you take control over your health care decisions, here’s how to get a breast pump through Anthem insurance.
Benefits of Breastfeeding Your Baby
Making the choice to breastfeed is a great decision that will provide both you and your baby with numerous benefits. Breastfeeding gives new moms the opportunity to strengthen their bond with their baby while providing them with essential nutrients and minerals needed to grow up strong and healthy. The properties in breast milk are scientifically proven to strengthen your baby’s immune system and reduce the likelihood of your child developing asthma, childhood obesity, certain infections, and respiratory diseases. Breastfeeding has also been shown to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and improve sleeping habits.
During the first few days of breastfeeding, your body is producing and releasing a nutrient-dense substance called colostrum—commonly known as liquid gold. Colostrum is high in protein, fat-soluble vitamins, immunoglobulins, and minerals to help jumpstart your baby’s development and immune system. Colostrum has also been shown to function as your baby’s first “vaccine.” It facilitates the circulation of antibodies between mom and baby and is packed with disease-fighting white blood cells to ward off infection. Colostrum is also great for your baby’s gastrointestinal and digestive systems.
Colostrum only lasts a few days, but breastfeeding continues to provide ongoing benefits. To get the most out of these benefits, it’s recommended that you breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of your baby’s life and then slowly begin to incorporate solids. Keep using breast milk as a source of nutrition until your baby is at least one year old.
The Importance of Getting a Breast Pump
Breast pumping is an excellent way to supplement breastfeeding. While you’re likely going to be nursing exclusively for the first few weeks of your newborn’s life, eventually you’ll need some help. Breast pumping allows your partner to assist you with feedings, it allows working mothers to return to their careers, and it gives new parents the chance to get out of the house and continue nourishing their relationship with each other. Breast pumping allows you to build up a milk supply so that you can provide your baby with essential vitamins and nutrients, regardless of where you are. While you don’t need to breast pump exclusively, having the option to collect and store milk is a great way to prepare for emergencies or regain some parental autonomy. That’s why Anthem insurance provides insurance covered breast pumps at zero out of pocket cost to you.
Information on Anthem Insurance
Anthem, Inc. is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. They serve members in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin; alongside specialty plan members in other states. Anthem is dedicated to supporting mothers for better health outcomes and is at the forefront of improving maternal and infant health, especially in communities of color where health disparities have a dramatic impact on outcomes. As with all insurance providers, coverage may vary across individual plans and in different states, so it’s important to discuss details with your representative.
Anthem Insurance Policies and Coverage
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), almost all insurance providers are required by law to cover the cost of breastfeeding equipment and support. This coverage is required to last for the duration of breastfeeding and may include additional support like lactation consultants, maternity compression, and replaceable breast pump parts. In most cases, Anthem insurance and their associated subsidiaries and partners will cover the complete cost of a double electric breast pump for new and expecting mothers. It’s important to check with your specific plan, however, as each one offers different coverage. This does not mean that you won’t be able to receive a breast pump, but it may have certain restrictions for brands or accessories. Another variable can be timing. Some plans allow you to order your breast pump while you’re pregnant, while others may restrict you until your due date. Under most Anthem insurance plans, you will be required to provide a prescription for the breast pump from your doctor. Luckily, this is a very straightforward process and most medical supply companies offer assistance when needed.
Anthem Insurance Covered Breast Pumps
As mentioned, almost all of Anthem insurance subsidiaries and partners will cover a double electric breast pump. There may be some restrictions on hospital grade breast pumps for those without medical reason, which is why the prescription is important. For assistance on which type of breast pump you can order through your insurance, Byram Healthcare has created a simple, straightforward ordering process. Some Anthem insurance plans also cover replacement parts for your breast pump, but this coverage can vary. Your breast pump should come with a minimum one-year warranty to address any problems, but always discuss these details with your insurance provider ahead of time. This will ensure that you know exactly what’s covered if you should need it. For problems with the breast pump system, the manufacturer should be able to help as long as the pump is still under warranty. In these cases, breast pump manufacturers often replace or fix the breast pump for free.
Byram Healthcare is a proud partner of Anthem insurance. Through our easy ordering process, you’ll be able to choose from popular brands like Ameda, Medela, Spectra, Freemie, and more.
Receive Extra Support with Lactation Consultants
Breastfeeding is not always easy. It can take a lot of effort and patience to achieve a strong latch with a good feeding schedule. If you’re struggling with breastfeeding—as most new mothers do—lactation consultants can help. A majority of Anthem insurance plans and partners provide up to six visits with a lactation consultant to assist you during your breastfeeding journey. Talk to your insurance provider to determine your coverage eligibility and then ask your doctor for references or resources.
Anthem Insurance Maternity Garments
Anthem insurance coverage does not typically include items like extra bottles, breast milk cooler bags, or totes. However, many plans do provide additional coverage for both maternity compression garments and postpartum compression garments. Since these are considered medical devices that are proven to provide mothers with support, relief, and assistance in recovery, they’re often covered under your insurance plan. Make sure that you discuss the details with your provider, as you may be required to pay deductibles or co-pays on these items.
When to Order Your Breast Pump Through Anthem Insurance
Some insurance plans allow you to order your Anthem insurance covered breast pump before your due date. If you’re eligible for early shipping, order your breast pump as soon as possible. This allows you to read the manufacturer’s instructions and learn how to use your breast pump before your baby comes. If you’re unable to get your breast pump early, don’t worry. Most pumps are straightforward to use, and you can always get help from your doctor or lactation consultant if needed.
How to Order Your Anthem Insurance Covered Breast Pump
Byram Healthcare is proud to partner with Anthem insurance to provide insurance covered breast pumps to new and expecting moms. To get started, all you need to do is go through the prompts on our easy, three-step ordering process to receive your breast pump at no cost through Anthem. If you have any questions, or would like to speak to a Byram representative, reach out using the live chat option on our website. Since coverage varies based on state and insurance policy, make sure that you call your local Anthem representative with any insurance-related questions or concerns. If everything goes smoothly and you have all the required documentation, Byram Healthcare will make sure that your breast pump is shipped and delivered within 4-7 business days following insurance processing. If you need to obtain a prescription, Byram can help with that too. Just make sure that you include the name of your primary care physician or OB/GYN when prompted.
Our goal at Byram Healthcare is to make the process of ordering an insurance covered breast pump as easy and straightforward as possible. Browse our selection of breast pumps and begin your order today.
