Lactation supplies

Lactation supplies are medical devices and accessories that support breastfeeding, such as breast pumps, milk storage bags, nipple shields, and nursing pads. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most health insurance plans to cover breast pumps for lactating women at no cost since 2012.

Insurance companies typically require a prescription from a healthcare provider before approving coverage for lactation supplies like double-electric breast pumps or manual pumps, as per YourInsurance.info. Medicaid programs in states including California and New York cover standard electric breast pumps but may not pay for hospital-grade models unless medically necessary.

Most insurers partner with durable medical equipment suppliers such as Aeroflow Breastpumps or Edgepark to distribute covered lactation supplies directly to members. Insurers usually limit the frequency of replacement parts–such as flanges or tubing–to once every 60 days per CDC guidelines.

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) allow reimbursement for out-of-pocket purchases of lactation supplies like hands-free pumping bras or sterilizer bags with IRS code 213(d). Insurers exclude non-medical items such as breastfeeding pillows or nursing covers from coverage because these do not meet the definition of essential health benefits under federal law.