Choosing a breast pump can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating Medicaid coverage and trying to find a high-quality option that fits your lifestyle. Fortunately, Medicaid often covers breast pumps, making it easier for new moms to access this essential tool. This guide compiles authentic, human-written content from trusted online sources to help you find the top-rated breast pumps covered by Medicaid.
Understanding Medicaid Coverage for Breast Pumps
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, are required to cover breastfeeding support and supplies, including breast pumps. Every state’s Medicaid program is different, so you’ll want to check with your Medicaid provider to find out what’s covered for you before your baby arrives. When you call, ask these questions:
- Does my plan cover a rental pump or one I can keep?
- Does my plan cover a manual pump or an electric pump?
- Will my plan take into consideration my doctor’s recommendation about what type of pump will work best for me?
- Does my plan cover any other breastfeeding benefits, such as breast pump supplies or counseling and support?
- Can you send me a list of in-network providers who can offer me lactation support?
Looking to get a breast pump? There are a variety of ways to find a pump at low cost, like through your private insurance or Medicaid, your local hospital, and some WIC clinics. Some moms get to keep their pumps forever, and some moms rent their pumps while they are breastfeeding. Talk to your WIC clinic about which option is best for you.
Types of Breast Pumps Covered by Medicaid
Most insurance companies, including Medicaid, cover both manual and electric breast pumps, each with its own set of advantages.
Manual Breast Pumps
These pumps are simple, compact, and operated manually, making them ideal for occasional use. They are lightweight, easy to clean, and don’t require a power source, making them a convenient choice for on-the-go moms.
Electric Breast Pumps
Electric breast pumps are more efficient and suitable for regular use. They come in both single and double pump options, offering adjustable suction levels and various pumping modes. Electric pumps are great for working moms or those who need to pump frequently.
Hospital-Grade Breast Pumps
Hospital-grade breast pumps are used by mothers of NICU babies or when medical issues may hinder mom & baby’s ability to successfully breastfeed. Breast pumps that are hospital-grade are specifically designed for multiple users, with a special closed system that makes the pump safe for moms to share. These are often available for rent when covered by insurance and may require a prescription.
Top-Rated Breast Pumps Covered by Medicaid
Below are some of the best breast pumps frequently covered by Medicaid, based on real user reviews and expert testing. Each includes pros, cons, and testing insights from moms and lactation consultants.
Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump
The Spectra S1 Plus is a popular choice among breastfeeding moms for a good reason. Whether it is top marks in our testing or user reviews online, everyone can agree that this is a comfortable and efficient pump for most moms. One of our lactating moms said, “I loved this pump, it was comfortable and pumped so quickly I was done in half the time as other pumps.” We recommend it to friends and family looking for an easy-to-use, effective, and quality pump. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Super powerful, quiet, customizable with adjustable suction levels, massage mode, night light, and timer. Rechargeable battery for portability.
- Cons: At just over 3 pounds, it’s on the heavier side for commuting. Manual suction reset required after each session to avoid nipple shock.
- Testing Insights: Testers noted its closed system prevents contamination, and the pump’s three parts (flange, bottle, duckbill valve) are easy to clean. In lab tests, it achieved high suction (up to 270 mmHg) and was quieter than competitors, with a gentle purring sound.
Spectra S2 Plus Electric Breast Pump
If you don’t mind staying plugged in, you can save money with the Spectra S2 Plus. It offers nearly all the functionality of the S1 Plus—except portability—in a cheaper package. You have to plug the S2 Plus into the wall in order to use it, but if you plan to pump in one location, such as an office lactation room or home pumping station, that may not be a problem for you. It’s notably simple to clean. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Efficient, quiet, closed system for hygiene. Lightweight at 3 pounds, user-friendly design.
- Cons: Not portable; requires a wall outlet. Similar manual suction reset issue as the S1.
- Testing Insights: Emits a gentle humming with a click at the end of suction, with noise levels low enough for discreet pumping. Testers praised its ease of use and consistent milk output in 15-20 minute sessions.
Medela Pump In Style Advanced
The Medela Pump In Style Advanced is one of the most highly-rated breast pumps on the market today. It’s no surprise as Medela has been a leading brand for mothers and parents for decades. The unit is a double electric pump that’s designed for daily use and is super portable, so you can pack it and take it with you wherever you go. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Adjustable vacuum settings, two-phase expression technology mimics baby’s nursing rhythm. Includes cooler bag and battery pack for portability.
- Cons: Only two speed settings. Not hands-free without a pumping bra.
- Testing Insights: Moms reported pumping and cleaning in 30-minute breaks, ideal for working parents. Testers found it reliable for daily use, with consistent milk output in 20-minute sessions.
Lansinoh Discreet Duo Wearable Breast Pump
What’s not to love about a wearable pump that’s effective and costs less than most competitors on the market? What’s more, Lansinoh touts that this is the first hands-free wearable pump that’s fully covered by most health insurance plans (including Medicaid)—meaning this top-rated wearable could cost you nothing! Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Hands-free, quiet, leak-resistant 6-ounce collection cups. Includes 21mm and 24mm flanges, customizable suction up to 260 mmHg.
- Cons: Wearable pumps may not be strong enough for low-supply moms. Higher cost if not fully covered.
- Testing Insights: A tester reported collecting milk in under 20 minutes while washing dishes, with output matching standard electric pumps. Its quiet operation suited public or workplace use.
Elvie Stride Plus
The Elvie Stride Plus is a hands-free breast pump designed for moms seeking powerful performance combined with convenience. With suction up to 280 mmHg and customizable suction and speed settings, this pump ensures effective milk expression with ease. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Portable, quiet, app for real-time tracking. Three-hour battery life, easy-to-clean components.
- Cons: Expensive if not covered by insurance. Less discreet for smaller frames.
- Testing Insights: Testers appreciated the app’s session tracking and found it effective for multitasking. Milk output was consistent with traditional pumps in 15-20 minute sessions.
Comparison Table of Top Breast Pumps
| Model | Type | Suction (mmHg) | Portability | Noise Level | Price Range | Medicaid Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectra S1 Plus | Double Electric | Up to 270 | Battery-powered | Quiet (purring) | $200-$255 | Frequently covered |
| Spectra S2 Plus | Double Electric | Up to 270 | Wall outlet | Quiet (humming) | $150-$169 | Frequently covered |
| Medela Pump In Style | Double Electric | Variable | Battery or outlet | Moderate | $150-$200 | Frequently covered |
| Lansinoh Discreet Duo | Wearable | Up to 260 | Battery-powered | Very quiet | $100-$150 | Often covered |
| Elvie Stride Plus | Wearable | Up to 280 | Battery-powered | Quiet | $300-$320 | Sometimes covered |
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Breast Pump
When choosing a breast pump, there are many things to consider:
- Your pumping needs and lifestyle: How often are you going to use your pump? What’s your goal for pumping: maintaining milk supply, doing it daily during work hours, etc.?
- Which pumps your health insurance will cover: As of late 2012, private U.S. health insurers need to cover breast pumps under the Affordable Care Act. Price: Find that balance between your budget and the type of pump that will serve your needs best.
- Portability: Pumps vary in this department, so it should be a factor you strongly consider. Some breast pumps require you to be plugged into an electric outlet at all times, which confines you to a certain area. Others portable breast pumps are charged with a battery, so they allow you to move around freely as long as you’re attached to the battery-operated device, which can range in size and heaviness.
- Noise level: While no breast pump is entirely silent, some are louder than others. If you’ll be pumping around other people, in an office or during conference calls, you may want to choose one that’s generally recognized as being relatively quiet.
- Weight: If you’ll be commuting to the office or traveling often, it can be helpful to have a lightweight pump.
- Where you’ll be pumping: Will you have access to an electrical outlet? If not—say you envision pumping in the car on the way to work or in a bathroom—you may want to consider a double-electric model that comes with a battery pack or opt for a smaller, more portable battery-powered option.
Working with a lactation consultant can help you know for sure if your breast pump fits well, and online resources, such as YouTube instructions or manufacturer websites, can be helpful, too. Lactation consultants are covered by most insurance, as well as pump parts and maintenance of the pump. You can start working with a lactation consultant during pregnancy.
Real-World Testing Scenarios
To provide a clearer picture of how these pumps perform, here are insights from real-world testing:
- Spectra S1 Plus: A mom commuting daily tested the S1’s battery life, finding it lasted through three 20-minute sessions without recharging. She pumped in a car using a nursing cover, appreciating the quiet operation that didn’t disturb her baby in the backseat.
- Spectra S2 Plus: A tester in an office lactation room used the S2 for daily pumping. She completed two 15-minute sessions during breaks, noting the pump’s efficiency and ease of cleaning, though she wished for battery power for occasional travel.
- Medela Pump In Style: A working mom tested this pump at home and work, using the battery pack for portability. She found the cooler bag invaluable for storing milk during her commute, with consistent output across sessions.
- Lansinoh Discreet Duo: A multitasking mom tested this wearable pump while cooking dinner. She completed a 20-minute session hands-free, matching her standard pump’s output, and found the quiet operation ideal for evening use.
- Elvie Stride Plus: A tester used the Elvie at a conference, pumping discreetly under her blouse. The app tracked her output, and she managed two sessions without recharging, though the pump was noticeable under tighter clothing.
Safety Tips for Using Breast Pumps
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when using a breast pump:
- Use the right size flange: The flange, sometimes called the breast shield, is the part of the pump that goes on your breast. The correct size is crucial to a good fit and seal. The wrong size can make pumping painful, damage your nipple, and decrease your milk output. Most pumps have a flange sizing guide, but if you’re unsure, ask a lactation consultant.
- Avoid used pumps: Buying a used breast pump or using a friend’s is not advisable, according to the Food and Drug Administration. It’s hard to ensure that the pump has been properly maintained, and if it wasn’t, you or your baby could get sick.
- Monitor for issues: If you feel achy or experience flu-like symptoms, nipple irritation or pain, fever, bleeding, or a yellowish discharge for 24-48 hours or more, call your doctor. Think it’s because of a faulty breast pump? You can report that to the FDA.
For more safety guidelines, visit the FDA’s Breast Pump Safety page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does Medicaid cover all types of breast pumps?
Every state’s Medicaid program is different. Most cover manual and electric pumps, but hospital-grade pumps may require a prescription and are often rental-only. Contact your Medicaid provider to confirm coverage details.
2. How do I get a breast pump through Medicaid?
Call your Medicaid provider before delivery to verify coverage and ask about the process. You may need a prescription from your doctor. Some providers work with companies like Aeroflow or 1 Natural Way to streamline ordering.
3. Are wearable pumps like Lansinoh Discreet Duo covered by Medicaid?
Some Medicaid plans cover wearable pumps, with Lansinoh Discreet Duo often cited as fully covered. Check with your provider, as wearables may be considered an upgrade with a co-pay.
4. How often should I pump?
There are no strict rules. Pump as long as you’re comfortable and milk flows. Some moms pump halfway between feeds, others during feeding. Consult a lactation consultant to tailor a schedule to your needs.
5. Can I use a breast pump if I have low milk supply?
Yes, but standard electric pumps like Spectra S1/S2 are often more effective for low-supply moms than wearables. Work with a lactation consultant to develop a plan to increase supply.
6. Are there risks to buying a second-hand breast pump?
The FDA advises against used pumps due to hygiene risks. Improperly maintained pumps could harbor bacteria or mold, potentially causing illness. Medicaid coverage makes new pumps more accessible.
Conclusion
Finding a top-rated breast pump covered by Medicaid is achievable with the right information. The Spectra S1 Plus, S2 Plus, Medela Pump In Style, Lansinoh Discreet Duo, and Elvie Stride Plus stand out for their performance, comfort, and frequent inclusion in Medicaid plans. By understanding your coverage, assessing your lifestyle needs, and consulting with a lactation consultant, you can select a pump that supports your breastfeeding journey. For more breastfeeding resources, check out WIC Breastfeeding Support.