Best Breast Pumps Covered by Aetna: Top Choices for Moms

Navigating motherhood comes with countless decisions, and choosing the right breast pump is certainly one of them. For Aetna insurance members, understanding your coverage benefits can save you both time and money. This comprehensive guide explores the best breast pumps covered by Aetna, helping you make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle and pumping needs.

Understanding Aetna’s Breast Pump Coverage

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most insurance providers, including Aetna, cover the cost of breast pumps for new and expectant mothers. Aetna typically provides coverage for one breast pump per birth, with options including manual, battery-operated, or electric models.

Coverage details can vary based on your specific plan, so it’s always recommended to verify your benefits directly with Aetna before making a purchase. This can be done by calling the customer service number on your insurance card or logging into your member portal online.

Aetna generally allows members to order their breast pump up to 30 days before their due date, and up to 180 days after delivery. This timeline gives you flexibility to prepare ahead of time or wait until after your baby arrives to determine your specific pumping needs.

How to Get a Breast Pump Through Aetna

Obtaining your breast pump through Aetna involves a straightforward process:

1. Verify your coverage by contacting Aetna customer service
2. Obtain a prescription from your healthcare provider
3. Order your pump through an in-network medical supplier or DME (Durable Medical Equipment) provider
4. Submit any necessary paperwork to Aetna

Many moms find that working with specialized breast pump suppliers like Aeroflow Breastpumps makes the process even simpler, as these providers handle the insurance verification and paperwork on your behalf.

Top Electric Breast Pumps Covered by Aetna

Electric breast pumps are popular among moms who pump regularly, as they offer powerful suction and often come with multiple settings and features to customize your pumping experience. Here are some of the best electric models typically covered by Aetna:

Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow

The Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow is a hospital-grade double electric breast pump that efficiently expresses milk with research-based 2-Phase Expression® technology. This mimics a baby’s natural nursing rhythm, starting with quick, light suction to stimulate milk flow, then transitioning to slower, deeper suction for optimal milk expression.

I used this pump with my second child and was impressed by how quickly I could empty my breasts compared to my previous pump. The closed system prevents milk from entering the tubing or motor, making it more hygienic and easier to clean. It’s compact enough to take to work, and the battery option means I wasn’t always hunting for an outlet.

The Pump In Style comes with two breast shield sizes, bottles, a cooler bag with ice pack, and a stylish tote for convenient transport. Many moms report that Aetna fully covers this model, making it an excellent choice for those who pump daily.

You can find the Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow here on Amazon.

Spectra S1 Plus and S2 Plus

Spectra breast pumps have gained tremendous popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Both the S1 Plus (rechargeable) and S2 Plus (plug-in) models offer hospital-grade performance with a closed system design to prevent milk from backing up into tubing.

The Spectra pumps feature customizable settings, allowing you to adjust both the cycle speed and suction strength independently. This level of customization helps moms find their perfect pumping rhythm. The digital display includes a timer and night light, making middle-of-the-night pumping sessions more manageable.

What sets the Spectra apart is its remarkably quiet operation – you can pump while your baby sleeps nearby without worry. Many moms report that the gentle yet effective suction feels more natural and comfortable than other pumps they’ve tried.

While Aetna typically covers the S2 Plus model fully, you may need to pay an upgrade fee for the S1 Plus with its rechargeable battery. For many moms, this upgrade is worth the investment for the freedom to pump anywhere without searching for an outlet.

Motif Luna

The Motif Luna is a newer entry to the breast pump market but has quickly gained a following among moms who appreciate its combination of power, quiet operation, and sleek design. This hospital-grade double electric pump offers adjustable suction strength and cycle speed, allowing you to customize your pumping session.

The Luna’s closed system design keeps milk from contaminating the tubing and motor, and its backlit display makes nighttime pumping easier. At just 2 pounds, it’s quite portable while still delivering impressive performance.

Aetna typically covers the standard Luna model, though you may pay an upgrade fee for the Luna with rechargeable battery. Many moms report that the Luna offers comparable performance to more expensive pumps, making it an excellent value choice through insurance.

Portable and Wearable Breast Pumps Through Aetna

For busy moms who need to pump on the go or want more discreet options, portable and wearable pumps provide incredible flexibility. While these cutting-edge pumps often come with an upgrade fee through Aetna, many moms find the additional cost worthwhile for the freedom they provide.

Elvie Pump

The Elvie Pump revolutionized the breast pump market as one of the first truly wearable, wire-free options. This innovative pump fits entirely inside your bra, allowing you to pump discreetly while going about your day.

The Elvie connects to a smartphone app that lets you control the pump and monitor milk collection in real-time. With no tubes, wires, or loud noises, you can pump during meetings, while running errands, or even while playing with your older children.

While Aetna may not cover the full cost of the Elvie, they often provide a standard allowance that can be applied toward this premium pump. Many moms report paying between $100-300 out of pocket after insurance for the single pump, with the double pump option costing more.

Despite the upgrade cost, moms who need to pump frequently while managing busy schedules often find the Elvie’s convenience justifies the additional expense.

Willow Pump

Similar to the Elvie, the Willow Pump offers a completely in-bra pumping experience with no external tubes or cords. What makes the Willow unique is its milk collection system – you can choose between reusable containers or spill-proof milk bags that allow you to pump in any position, even lying down.

The Willow offers strong suction comparable to traditional electric pumps and connects to an app that tracks your pumping sessions. Many moms appreciate the Willow’s simplified cleaning process and the convenience of pumping directly into storage bags.

Aetna typically provides a standard allowance toward the Willow, with members responsible for the remaining balance. While this pump represents a premium investment, many working moms find the freedom of hands-free, position-flexible pumping worth the upgrade cost for their lifestyle.

You can find the Willow Pump here on Amazon.

Manual Breast Pumps Covered by Aetna

Manual breast pumps offer simplicity, portability, and affordability. They’re excellent as backup pumps or for moms who only pump occasionally. Aetna typically covers these models fully:

Medela Harmony

The Medela Harmony manual breast pump is lightweight, compact, and surprisingly effective for a hand-powered pump. It uses the same 2-Phase Expression technology as Medela’s electric models, with a unique handle that lets you switch between stimulation and expression modes.

I’ve personally kept a Harmony in my diaper bag for those unexpected times when I needed to relieve engorgement while away from home. The quiet operation makes it discreet for public use in a pinch, and it’s easy to clean with just a few parts.

The Harmony typically comes with one 24mm breast shield, though additional sizes are available for purchase separately. Most Aetna plans fully cover this pump, making it an excellent option for occasional pumpers or as a backup to your primary pump.

Lansinoh Manual Pump

The Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump offers ergonomic design with two pumping modes – a faster mode to stimulate let-down and a slower mode for maximum milk expression. The handle is designed to reduce hand fatigue during pumping sessions.

This pump includes two flange sizes (25mm and to ensure proper fit, which is crucial for comfort and milk output. The Lansinoh manual pump can express directly into Lansinoh storage bottles or bags, making milk collection convenient.

Aetna typically covers this pump in full. Many moms keep this as a backup option for travel or power outages, appreciating its reliability and simplicity.

Tips for Maximizing Your Aetna Breast Pump Benefit

To get the most from your Aetna breast pump coverage, consider these practical strategies:

Timing Your Breast Pump Order

While you can order your pump up to 30 days before your due date, some experienced moms suggest waiting until after your baby arrives to better understand your specific pumping needs. For example, if you find yourself exclusively pumping, you might prioritize a different model than if you only need to pump occasionally.

However, if you’ll be returning to work shortly after birth or have specific reasons to begin pumping immediately, ordering before delivery ensures you’re prepared when baby arrives.

Understanding Upgrade Options

If you’re interested in a premium model that exceeds Aetna’s standard coverage allowance, ask about upgrade options. Many suppliers will apply your insurance benefit toward a more advanced pump, with you paying only the difference.

For working moms or those who plan to pump frequently, investing in features like rechargeable batteries, multiple flange sizes, or wearable technology can significantly improve your pumping experience.

Accessories and Replacement Parts

Don’t forget to inquire about coverage for accessories and replacement parts. Depending on your Aetna plan, you may be eligible for:

• Additional flanges in different sizes
• Extra collection bottles or storage bags
• Replacement membranes and valves
• Tubing and backflow protectors

Replacing these parts regularly helps maintain your pump’s suction power and ensures proper hygiene. Some plans cover replacement parts every few months, which can extend the useful life of your pump.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Aetna-Covered Breast Pump for You

The best breast pump for you depends on your specific needs, lifestyle, and pumping goals. When selecting among Aetna-covered options, consider:

• How frequently you’ll pump
• Whether you need portability for work or travel
• Your comfort preferences and privacy needs
• If you’ll primarily pump at home or need on-the-go options

Remember that what works wonderfully for one mom might not be ideal for another. Regardless of which pump you choose, Aetna’s coverage helps make this essential breastfeeding support tool accessible, allowing you to provide breast milk for your baby even when you can’t be there to nurse directly.

Take advantage of your Aetna breast pump benefit by researching your options, understanding your specific coverage, and selecting the model that aligns with your unique breastfeeding journey.