What is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant?
An IBCLC is a health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. IBCLCs are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners Inc. under the direction of the US National Commission for Certifying Agencies. IBCLCs work in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, pediatric offices, public health clinics, and in private practice.
Will my insurance pay for a breastpump?
The ACA currently requires all (non-grandfathered) private and commercial insurance policies to provide breastfeeding moms with "comprehensive lactation support and counseling, by a trained provider during pregnancy and/or in the postpartum period, and costs for renting breastfeeding equipment." These breastfeeding provisions do not apply to Medicaid and WIC. Contact your local WIC office if you qualify for the WIC program.
Most private and commercial insurers choose to provide their members with home grade double electric pumps. Start by calling the 800 customer service number on the back of your insurance card to ask about your coverage and to request your pump
Will private breastfeeding consultations by a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) be covered?
Some insurance companies (for example, Aetna) contract with Lactation Consultants. If your insurance company contracts with Lactation Consultants you may be able to see a consultant within their network at no charge.
If your insurance company does not contract with Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) contact the customer service department for your insurance company, let them know you'd like to see an IBCLC, and ask how that works with your policy. You can also ask your IBCLC for a "superbill" to submit to insurance for reimbursement.
To learn more:
http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/factsheets/2011/08/womensprevention08012011a.html
https://www.healthcare.gov/what-are-my-breastfeeding-benefits/
For a sample letter to send to your insurance company requesting that IBCLC consults be covered under your plan, click on this link and download "Sample Letter for Lactation Consultant"
