Getting a breast pump through insurance is one of the most straightforward benefits available to expecting and new moms, yet many families either do not know about it or are unsure how to use it. Under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans are required to cover a breast pump as a preventive benefit, meaning you may qualify for a quality electric breast pump at little to no out-of-pocket cost. Here is exactly how the process works and what you need to do to claim your benefit.
Does Insurance Cover Breast Pumps?
For most people, yes. Since 2010, the Affordable Care Act has required non-grandfathered health insurance plans to cover breastfeeding support and supplies, which includes breast pumps, without cost-sharing when obtained from an in-network provider. This applies to most private insurance plans, employer-sponsored plans, and marketplace plans. Medicaid also covers breast pumps for eligible members, though the specific covered models may vary by state. Coverage details, including which pump models are covered, whether an upgrade option exists, and when you can order, vary by plan, which is why verifying your specific benefits before ordering is important.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
The first step is confirming what your insurance covers. This can feel overwhelming, but Storkpump makes it simple. You can start by browsing the pump collection on Storkpump, select your insurance plan, and the Storkpump team will verify your specific benefits and confirm which pumps are covered under your plan, typically within 1 to 2 business days. No need to call your insurance company yourself or decode an explanation of benefits document.
Step 2: Get a Prescription
Most insurance plans require a prescription from your OB, midwife, or primary care provider to process a breast pump order. The prescription is typically straightforward, a note indicating you are pregnant or postpartum and in need of a breast pump. If you already have one, you can upload it directly when placing your order. If you do not have one yet, the Storkpump team can reach out to your doctor on your behalf to request the documentation. You do not need to handle this part yourself.
Step 3: Choose Your Pump
Once your benefits are verified, you will see which pumps are covered under your specific plan. For many moms, a high-quality double electric pump like the Spectra S2 is fully covered at no cost. If you want a model with additional features such as a rechargeable battery or wearable design, an upgrade option may be available where your insurance covers the base cost and you pay the difference. Browse pumps with upgrade fee options here to see what is available.
Step 4: Place Your Order and Get It Shipped
Once your pump is selected and your benefits are confirmed, Storkpump ships your pump directly to your door at no charge. Most orders are processed and shipped quickly, so you can have your pump well before baby arrives. Most insurance plans allow you to order as early as the third trimester, and some allow ordering up to a year after birth. Check the Storkpump FAQ for plan-specific timing details.
What About Medicaid?
If you are covered by Medicaid, you are still entitled to a breast pump at no cost. While upgrades are not typically available under Medicaid, Storkpump offers one of the widest Medicaid pump selections available. View all Medicaid-covered pumps here to see your options.
What Else May Be Covered?
Breast pumps are not the only item that may be covered under your maternity benefits. Many insurance plans also cover replacement pump parts, breast milk storage bags, and postpartum compression garments. When you order through Storkpump, the team reviews your full coverage and lets you know what additional items you may be entitled to at no extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I order my breast pump through insurance?
Most experts recommend ordering during the second or third trimester, around weeks 28 to 32. This gives you time to receive and familiarize yourself with your pump before baby arrives. Some plans require the pump to ship close to your due date or after birth. The Storkpump team will let you know the timing requirements for your specific plan.
Can I get a breast pump through insurance if I already have one from a previous pregnancy?
Most insurance plans cover one breast pump per pregnancy, so a new pregnancy typically means a new benefit. Check with your plan or the Storkpump team to confirm eligibility for your current pregnancy.
What if my insurance does not fully cover the pump I want?
If you have your eye on a higher-end model, an upgrade option may allow you to apply your insurance benefit toward that pump and pay only the difference. Browse upgrade-eligible pumps on Storkpump to see what is available under your plan.
Do I need to be currently pregnant to order a breast pump through insurance?
Most plans allow ordering during pregnancy, but some also allow ordering after birth, typically up to 12 months postpartum. Coverage timing varies by plan. Visit the Storkpump FAQ or contact the team directly to confirm your plan's specific window.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Preventive care benefits for women. https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-women/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). About breastfeeding. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/php/about/index.html
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Breast pumps. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/consumer-products/breast-pumps
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