Support available to pregnant, breastfeeding women

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) today reminds all pregnant and postpartum women that they have access to free breastfeeding support, counseling, equipment, and supplies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

"August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and we want to ensure all breastfeeding and pregnant women across the Commonwealth are aware of the free services available to them through their insurance," said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. "After welcoming a child, the last thing a parent should have to worry about is figuring out how to afford essential resources that assist with breastfeeding. We encourage families to check with their health plans to determine what benefits are available."

Pennsylvanians with ACA coverage have comprehensive lactation support without cost-sharing, which means the consumer cannot be charged an out-of-pocket copayment, deductible, or coinsurance for these services. Lactation support services include consultations, counseling, education by clinicians and peer support services.

Under the ACA, health insurers are also required to cover breastfeeding equipment, supplies, and counseling for the duration of breastfeeding, and these benefits must also be provided before and after birth.

Although specific coverage for the type and number of pumps may vary by plan, all insurers offering plans on Pennie – Pennsylvania's official online health insurance marketplace – cover the cost of a new or rented breast pump unit.

Any consumer with an ACA compliant plan who has received breastfeeding equipment, supplies, or counseling and was charged a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible should contact their health insurer to request a refund. The number for the insurer can usually be found on the back of the health insurance card.

Consumers with any questions on coverage of breastfeeding equipment or counseling, or to file a complaint, can contact PID's Consumer Services Bureau online or by calling 1-877-881-6388.

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