Medela launches new website on breast feeding and insurance

Medela today announced the launch of an important new resource - www.breastfeedinginsurance.com - where new and expectant mothers can access comprehensive information and tools to help them discover if their breastfeeding related expenses, such as breastpump rental/purchase or lactation consultants, are covered by insurance.

Insurance providers understand the critical health benefits of breastmilk to both mother and baby.  This is especially true for the roughly 500,000 infants born prematurely each year, many of which are unable to breastfeed initially.  Therefore many insurance providers offer some coverage for expenses related to providing expressed breastmilk to those infants.

"The immediate and long-term health benefits of feeding breastmilk are well-documented.  And while many carriers provide coverage particularly for infants cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, many mothers are unaware of this coverage and may need additional help in navigating the insurance system," said Carolin Archibald, vice president, Medela Breastfeeding Division.  "This site will provide them with an important head-start on determining if their provider offers coverage and how to access this coverage."

To launch the new site, Medela worked with respected insurance experts to develop several reimbursement-related resources, including information about submitting claims and appealing denied claims for services.  The site also includes additional sample letters that can help new and expectant parents gain assistance from their employer, healthcare provider and lactation consultant.  Downloadable resources available on the site include:

• Coverage Questions You Should Ask
• Tips for Communicating with Your Insurance Company
• Understanding the Benefits of Breastmilk
• Filing and Insurance Claim
• Lactation Consultant Coverage
• Appealing and Insurance Claim
• Quick Coding Reference Guide

"The availability of insurance reimbursement for breastfeeding related expenses underscores the research-based facts about the importance of breastmilk," adds Archibald.  "We hope this new resource adds to the body of knowledge available to new parents to help them make informed choices about their child's nutrition."