Buying a Hospital Breast Pump?

I heard that Blue Cross Blue Shield helps you get a breast pump. I called them up and they said with my plan I only pay 20% of the cost if I buy it from the hospital before I leave. I didnt know you can buy them from the hospital. Are the pumps really good? Are they electric or manual? Will it work with Playtex Drop-ins?

I have so many questions. I guess I could call the insurance lady at the hospital...I just need to find what I did with her number.  

Quoting LittleTiger:" I heard that Blue Cross Blue Shield helps you get a breast pump. I called them up and they said with ... [snip!] ... so many questions. I guess I could call the insurance lady at the hospital...I just need to find what I did with her number.  "

seriously I am gonna call tomorrow I have bcbs also so did they give you the prices hmmm

i bought mine from the hospital. It was a double electric, we paid $200 and it broke in 3 weeks. it was an ameda, i can't remember the name of it but i'm sure i can look it up. They also rent pumps at my hospital.

Quoting sweetbea0906:" seriously I am gonna call tomorrow I have bcbs also so did they give you the prices hmmm"

No prices. The woman I spoke to at Blue Cross said that I would have to find out from the hospital.

I have BCBS and they didn't pay for any portion of mine, but I bet it varies state to state.

But, my hospital offered a 20% discount to anyone who delivers at their hospital. I got the medela Pump In Style Advanced from them and it is great. I rely on it daily.

If you're planning to BF, I would not buy a pump until 8-12 weeks, when it's best to introduce bottles. Pumping is tempting, since bottle feeding is much easier than BF.

And no used pump can be 100% sanitized and there is a small chance it could have some residue and/or germs from other users.

Hospital breast pumps are great, but I have only ever heard of them RENTING them, not selling them. Are you sure the insurance lady wasn't talking about rental?

Yes, they will work with the drop-ins, I believe. I used a Medela Symphony hospital-grade pump (I was EPing) and the shields fit any standard bottle.

You really don't NEED a hospital-grade pump unless you are EPing or trying to establish a supply (like if your child is in the NICU.) Hospital-grade pumps are also very expensive (the Symphony runs about $1200 to $1600.) I rented mine from a local breastfeeding store for $50/month.

ETA: I see from the other ladies on here that some hospitals do sell breast-pumps (double electrics, not hospital-grade.) I had just never heard of hospitals doing that. They don't do that around here.

idk anything about assistance w that, but i will say get a good one. i have the double medula electric pump, and it is amazing. cost-250 new. welll worth it though. i tried the cheap ones first, and not worth it at all. good luck

I got to rent a medela hospital grade pump while my daughter was in the nicu...it was awesome! definitely would have been worth the money, had i needed it when she finally came home

Quoting pilot Jess:" I have BCBS and they didn't pay for any portion of mine, but I bet it varies state to state. But, my ... [snip!] ... anyone who delivers at their hospital. I got the medela Pump In Style Advanced from them and it is great. I rely on it daily."

Supposedly, its a new thing because of a recent federal law that passed. I dont know. I heard it from my mom who got a letter from BCBS. I didnt get a letter and my plan is different from hers so I just called and asked about it.

Quoting Spidermans♥Mommy:" Hospital breast pumps are great, but I have only ever heard of them RENTING them, not selling them. Are ... [snip!] ... (double electrics, not hospital-grade.) I had just never heard of hospitals doing that. They don't do that around here."

The letter my mom got and the lady I spoke with both talked about purchasing one. The lady said it had to be purchased at the hospital before I leave.

I was planning on not getting one until I knew what I was doing and what I needed but then my mom told me about BCBS's letter. If its cheaper to buy one at the hospital then in the store, I'll get it. I think my best bet will be to call the insurance lady at my hospital and see if she knows.

<blockquote><b>Quoting LittleTiger:</b>" Supposedly, its a new thing because of a recent federal law that passed. I dont know. I heard it from ... [snip!] ... my mom who got a letter from BCBS. I didnt get a letter and my plan is different from hers so I just called and asked about it."</blockquote>


Hmm... I just had my son 6 months ago and they didn't have that then. But with the hospital's discount, it was great and worth it!

Yeah tis new law is gonna be great for me my job already has my room ready lol I say my room because I am the only person pregnant and breastfeeding. My super was like let me know when you come back because we have to order you a pump I was like whaaaaat o yeah

Quoting pilot Jess:" <blockquote><b>Quoting LittleTiger:</b>" Supposedly, its a new thing because of a ... [snip!] ... I just had my son 6 months ago and they didn't have that then. But with the hospital's discount, it was great and worth it!"

Then maybe you are right and it goes by state? I googled it just now and there are a few posts on different websites about women getting it either free or at 20% cost. I dont know. I'm still fuzzy on the while thing. After I call the hospital and get some answers, I'll make a new post about it.