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."