What's the new legislation about breast pumps?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has adopted guidelines for
several woman-specific health services to be covered by health plans. These services
include "breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling."
According to the HHS Web site Healthcare.gov, "Pregnant and postpartum women will have access to comprehensive lactation support and counseling from trained providers, as well as breastfeeding equipment." The Web site adds: "Breastfeeding is one of the most effective preventive measures mothers can take to protect their health and that of their children. One of the barriers for breastfeeding is the cost of purchasing or renting breast pumps and nursing-related supplies."
What does this legislation mean to me?
This means that commercial health providers are now required by law to allow breast
pumps as a covered expense for lactating women. There is some variation around co-pays, depending on your insurance carrier and plan.
How do I get a breast pump through Northern Pharmacy?
1. Fill out and have your physician sign the breast pump prescription form here.
2. Once you have filled out and had your physician sign the breast pump prescription form please call us at 1-800-486-0714, Press 3 for Medical Supplies and follow
prompts. (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, EST)
3. A Northern Pharmacy customer service representative will ask for your health
insurance plan information (policy number and insurance phone number) and your
doctor's information, including his or her name and phone number. OR you can just
fax the breast pump prescription form to 410-254-5134.
4. Northern Pharmacy will then contact your health insurance on your behalf to
confirm coverage and complete your order. If there is an amount due, Northern
Pharmacy will contact you to confirm your coverage. Be aware, many insurance
companies won't cover breast pumps until the baby is born.
5. Your equipment is delivered right to your door free of charge after order processing
(order processing can take anywhere from 1 to 5 days after prescription and
insurance are verified).
What's the best way to contact Northern Pharmacy about the status of my breast
pump order?
In the event you still need to contact a customer service representative, call
1-800-486-0714 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
What are the advantages of ordering my breast pump through Northern Pharmacy?
Northern Pharmacy handles contacting your insurance provider on your behalf to verify if
there are any out of pocket costs you might incur. Northern Pharmacy also carries breast
pumps in house, so once an order is processed we can offer same or next day free delivery.
How soon before the delivery of my baby and how late after their birth can I order a
breast pump?
Depending on your insurance plans guidelines, we can provide a breast pump to you up
to 30 days prior to your baby's date of birth and up to 12 months after delivery. United Healthcare Plan members, please be aware that United Healthcare requires your baby to be born prior to receiving a breast pump.
Which breast pump is available from Northern Pharmacy?
Ameda Purely Yours 17084
- Personal-use Purely Yours Breast Pump
- (1) Dual HygieniKit Milk Collection System (without BPA and DEHP)
- (1) Microfiber Carry All Tote shoulder bag
- (1) Cool ‘N Carry Milk Storage Tote with 3 cooling elements
- (6) 4oz./120 ml milk collection bottles with lock-tight sealing lids
- Can be powered by AC Adapter (included), 6AA batteries, or car adapter. Batteries and car adapter not included.
How soon will I receive my breast pump after placing my order with Northern
Pharmacy?
This will vary. Commercial insurance providers require a "verification process" where a
Northern Pharmacy customer service representative verifies your doctor's information and
diagnosis by calling his or her office and your health insurance provider to verify coverage.
This process may take up to 2 weeks.
If the breast pump you requested is approved through your health insurance without
additional co-pays and currently in stock, then you will receive your order (usually within a
week of calling).
If the breast pump you requested is not approved through your health insurance and/or
there are additional co-pays, we will call you to determine next steps.