Insurance-Covered Breast Pump Upgrades

You may have heard the term insurance-covered breast pump upgrade in your breast pump research. However, during pregnancy so many terms are flying at you, it can be hard to take it all in. Many times, expectant moms do not think of questions about their breast pumps until after they start pumping. Between preparing to welcome a new baby into the world and your home and all the new products that come with that, there is often not enough time to consider all the details about your breast pump and if a breast pump upgrade is right for you and your options on how to pay for that upgrade.

While breast pumps are now usually covered with no copay under the Affordable Care Act, your insurance provider may only cover certain options. If you are looking for a specific breast pump like the Elvie, Spectra S1 or Medela Freestyle Flex, you may have to pay an upgrade fee. But before you get out your credit card, consider if you would like to use your HSA or FSA funds to pay the upgrade fee. Let’s take a moment and review the basics.

What is a Breast Pump Upgrade?

The term breast pump upgrade refers to breast pumps that are not fully covered by your insurance plan and therefore require the customer to pay an out-of-pocket upgrade fee. Upgrades often include extra materials, such as extra bottles, tote bags, coolers or specific parts that make breastfeeding easier for mom. Though most insurance companies will cover a double electric breast pump, upgrades are not always included. In that case, there are a few different options on how you can pay the upgrade fee.

Using HSA and FSA for Breast Pump Upgrades

You may have heard of a Health Savings Account, or HSA. These accounts are savings accounts specifically for health expenses. These accounts have only been around since 2003 but gained popularity with people who have high-deductible insurance plans. Any money saved in an HSA is tax-free and HSA funds can be rolled over from year to year.

An FSA or Flexible Spending Account is an account that that allows individuals to designate a percentage of their paycheck before taxes to cover certain types of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. FSA funds expire at the end of the year meaning you have to use them or lose them.

Both HSAs and FSAs are tax-free entities which makes them appealing.

If you have an HSA or FSA, it could come in handy when ordering a breast pump upgrade. The rules for each account vary slightly, but the good news is since breast pumps and qualified accessories are considered medical expenses by the IRS under IRS publication 502 (Medical and Dental Expenses), HSA or FSA funds can be used towards these purchases. Remember, it is always best to purchase you breast pump and supplies from a Durable Medical Equipment provider like Yummy Mummy. When choosing a pump and accessories, consider your lifestyle including where and how often you plan to pump. You can compare different breast pump options (both upgrade and non-upgrade pumps) with our Pump Comparison Guide. Working moms may want to purchase extra bottles and storage bags or a hands-free pumping bra for easier pumping at work.

Some items covered by your flexible spending account include:

-Breast pumps

-Breast pump spare parts

-Nursing accessories

-Breast milk storage bags

-Cooler sets

-Hygienic wipes

-Battery packs

If you are still deciding whether to breastfeed or have already made the decision and are nearing your birth date but have not ordered your breast pump through insurance, there is still time and Yummy Mummy is here to help. You can order your breast pump online anytime or over the phone at 855-87-YUMMY M-F 9am-8pm ET / 6am-5pm PT.

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