Tricare Insurance covers a breast pump, breast pump supplies, and compression garments, but how can you access these items as a policyholder? And what are the specific stipulations of your policy? We have the answers to all of your questions!
Our specialists make getting a free breast pump as simple as possible for new mothers. We carry top-of-the-line breast pumps from leading manufacturers like Motif Medical, Medela, Ameda, Spectra, Lansinoh, and more! Studies show that providing your baby with breast milk has many health benefits and can reduce overall doctor visits, so this coverage is vital for military families.
Here’s What We’ll Need From You:
• Fill out our Qualify Through Insurance Form with your information and get started today! Once submitted online, we can quickly confirm your benefits.
• When asked for your "Primary insurance info," we need either the Tricare Sponsor’s social security number or the Tricare DOD Benefits Number in order to verify that your plan is active and primary.
• A prescription for the breast pump from a Tricare-authorized provider (nurse practitioner, MD, nurse midwife, etc). If you do not have a prescription yet, your Aeroflow specialist will be happy to send a request to your Tricare-registered healthcare practitioner!
Tricare Compression Coverage
Aside from covering your free breast pump through insurance, Tricare coverage also includes compression garments. These are medical devices that provide a lot of health benefits because they have been designed by healthcare professionals to provide support, relief, and stabilization for increased comfort during pregnancy and to assist with postpartum healing.
Most Tricare beneficiaries qualify to receive pregnancy support, compression socks, and postpartum recovery garments through insurance. But unless you are an active-duty Tricare Prime member, compression garments through insurance are subject to deductibles and coinsurance.
When you fill out our Qualify Through Insurance Form, we will automatically check your eligibility for compression items and let you know what your options are.
Tricare Covered Hospital Grade Breast Pumps
Tricare only covers the rental of electric hospital-grade breast pumps and supplies under medical necessity. This benefit may be available to those who are separated from their baby due to illness or are unable to feed directly from the breast for medical reasons.
If a mom or baby meets the criteria of medical necessity, we can provide the hospital-grade rental for the period of time prescribed by the physician. Once the rental period is over, mom is then covered for a personal use standard electric breast pump that is hers to keep!
Tricare Covered Breast Pump Replacement Parts
In addition to breast pump coverage, Tricare also covers additional breast pump supplies. Regularly replacing these supplies can extend the life of your breast pump. Tricare will cover the following items after you give birth:
- Standard power adapters
- Tubing and tubing adaptors
- Locking rings
- Bottles and bottle caps
- Breast shields/splash protectors
And Tricare’s coverage for replacement parts is as follows:
- One set of supplies is covered with the initial breast pump prescription 90 days after delivery
- Additional supplies can be covered by request with a new prescription
It's important to note that coverage for replacement parts can vary between insurance providers. While most insurance plans cover replacement parts 30 days after delivery, Tricare's coverage begins at 90 days postpartum. Always check with your specific plan for details, as there may be exclusions based on your group or employer.
Exclusions
Tricare does NOT cover the items listed below.
- Breast pump batteries, battery-powered adapters, and battery packs
- Regular “baby bottles” (bottles not specific to pump operation), including associated nipples, caps, and lids
- Travel bags and other similar carrying accessories
- Breast pump cleaning supplies
- Baby weight scales
- Garments and other products that allow hands-free pump operation
- Ice packs, labels, labeling lids, and other similar products
- Nursing bras, bra pads, breast shells, and other similar products
- Over-the-counter creams, ointments, and other products that relieve breastfeeding-related symptoms or conditions of the breasts or nipples
Many of these items are available on our website, as well as additional breast pump kits for double pumping, milk storage bags, and more! If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you can use it to purchase these items as well.
Lactation Support and Education
Tricare recognizes the importance of breastfeeding support and education. They offer coverage for these services anytime during pregnancy and throughout your breastfeeding journey. However, it's important to understand that Tricare's coverage has some limitations:
- Members are limited to six occurrences of breastfeeding support and education.
- This can include classes, individual appointments, or a combination of both.
At Aeroflow, we're proud to offer a comprehensive program that goes beyond basic breastfeeding support. Our services include:
- Breastfeeding support and education
- Birth and prenatal education
- Babycare guidance
- Pumping instructions and tips
- Mental health support
- And more!
We're committed to supporting you throughout your journey, and we offer classes and appointments in both English and Spanish to better serve our diverse community of parents.
Remember, while we strive to provide accurate information, insurance coverage can vary. We always recommend verifying your specific benefits with your insurance provider and speaking with one of our specialists to help you navigate your coverage options.
About the Author
Jennifer Jordan is the Director of Mom & Baby at Aeroflow Breastpumps. As a working and once-breastfeeding mother, Jennifer (along with her team) is committed to supporting all mamas on their breastfeeding journey through support, education, and exceptional customer service.
Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.
