Are you or someone in your household expecting and planning
to breastfeed, currently breastfeeding, or interested in breastfeeding in the
future? As you explore questions about breastfeeding, think about what your
health insurance might cover. If you’re a benefit-eligible MSU employee, MSU HR
put together some tips and reminders to help.
MSU’s employee plans all cover breastfeeding supplies to some extent – that’s Community Blue, Blue Care Network (BCN) and the Consumer Driven Health Plan with the Health Savings Account. The one exception to this is if you have BCN and are trying to get equipment from a provider who doesn’t have a contract with BCN, you’ll have to cover that yourself.
Steps to get
breastfeeding supplies
In health care lingo, breastfeeding supplies are part of
what’s referred to as “Durable Medical Equipment.” Typically, breastfeeding
supplies include the pump package, so the pump and whatever typically comes
with it (breast milk storage bags, bottles, nipples, etc.). What comes with the
kit depends on which brand is offered. How do you know?
Step One: Contact
your health care provider and ask for the name and contact info for a durable
medical equipment provider located near you. In addition to a store you can
visit in-person, sometimes you can get the contact info for a mail order
service.
Step Two: Contact
the durable medical equipment provider to find out which brand(s) they carry. Many
providers only carry one brand, so this may help you decide where you want to
go to get your pump.
Step Three: Get a
prescription. For breastfeeding supplies? You got it! You can ask your OB-GYN
or physician to write this prescription. They can even fax it right to the
equipment provider you’ve selected or you can take it in-person.
Other tips:
- If you have a pump you’ve used before, your
health insurance isn’t going to cover getting the replacement parts. Replacement parts are
eligible expenses under a flexible spending account (FSA) (see more info below).
If your pump no longer works, most health insurance providers will cover a new
breast pump kit after a certain period (example: BCN covers a new pump after 24
months).
- Cleaning supplies for the pump or pump parts are
not covered.
- Extra bags, bottles, nipples, etc. are not
covered, only those that already come with the pump.
Other resources
MSU does offer some additional resources related to breastfeeding you may find helpful.
Guidelines on Federal Laws – Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and Providing Urgent Maternal Protection (PUMP) Act
In June 2023, two new federal laws when into effect protecting pregnant and breastfeeding employees. According to the PUMP Act, MSU employees are entitled to a place to pump at work, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public. The university has provided guidance on each of these laws, including the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protection (PUMP) Act.
Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
The health care FSA through WageWorks can be used for some breastfeeding expenses including breast pumps, pump supplies and breastfeeding classes. Even though you’re still picking up the cost of these expenses, by using the health care FSA, the money is pre-tax, which means you’re saving an average of 30%. Make it even easier by using the FSA Store online at fsastore.com for everything from baby monitors to nursing pads and baby thermometers. Learn more about FSAs on the HR website.
Life changes
Chances are if you’re thinking about breastfeeding, you’re planning on a life change or have already experienced one. Don’t forget these steps for making changes to your benefits.
WorkLife Office
The MSU WorkLife Office is a great breastfeeding resource for employees. They offer classes, support, a breastfeeding room location map, and more. Check out these resources on the WorkLife website.
Growing a family comes with a lot to plan for, and breastfeeding can be at the top of that list. Hopefully, these tips and hints can help you and your family navigate through that journey a little easier.
