Baby Gear
How to Get a Free Breast Pump Through Insurance
The ACA mandates zero-cost breast pump coverage for nearly every insured American. Here is the exact step-by-step process — from verifying eligibility to receiving your pump at home.
Clinically reviewed · June 2026
The Affordable Care Act requires all non-grandfathered insurance plans to provide a breast pump and lactation support with zero cost-sharing — no copay, no deductible. You order through a contracted DME supplier such as Aeroflow, Edgepark, or Byram Healthcare, typically starting at 28–30 weeks gestation, and the pump arrives at your door.
Breastfeeding initiation in the United States reached 86% of newborns by 2022, up from 73% in 2004 — yet roughly 60% of mothers do not breastfeed for as long as they intend, according to the CDC Breastfeeding Report Card. Access to a quality pump is one of the most modifiable factors in that gap, and the law is on your side: most American families are entitled to a breast pump at no out-of-pocket cost. The process takes about 15 minutes once you know where to go.
What law guarantees a free breast pump?
The legal foundation is Section 2713 of the Public Health Service Act, added by Section 1001 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It requires all non-grandfathered health insurance plans to cover preventive services for women with zero cost-sharing — meaning no copay, no coinsurance, and no deductible applies, even if you have not met your annual deductible.
The operative standard — set by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) — requires coverage of "comprehensive prenatal and postnatal lactation support, counseling, and equipment rental" for the duration of breastfeeding. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services confirms this mandate explicitly covers breast pump equipment and lactation support.
Which plans are covered: All plans purchased on or after August 1, 2012 — in the individual, employer-sponsored group, and ACA marketplace markets — must comply. The primary exception is grandfathered plans (purchased before March 23, 2010 that have not made significant benefit changes since), but insurers are legally required to notify you in writing if you hold one. CMS FAQ Set 12 confirms marketplace plans are 100% covered without cost-sharing. Most state Medicaid programs include the benefit as well, though covered pump models may vary by state.
How does the ordering process actually work?
Insurance-covered breast pumps are not ordered directly from the insurer — they flow through Durable Medical Equipment (DME) suppliers contracted with your plan. Three national DME suppliers dominate the breast pump market:
| Supplier | Best for | Notable feature | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aeroflow Breastpumps | Most insurance networks; first-time users | Online eligibility check; auto-resupply for replacement parts | aeroflowbreastpumps.com |
| Edgepark Medical Supplies | Smaller regional or uncommon plans | Broadest insurer network coverage as a fallback | edgepark.com |
| Byram Healthcare (Byram Baby) | Plan-organized pump browsing | Interface organized by insurance plan; dedicated breastfeeding division | breastpumps.byramhealthcare.com |
Step-by-step:
- Call your insurer. Use the member services number on your insurance card. Ask specifically whether breast pumps are covered under preventive services per ACA Section 2713. Confirm the list of in-network DME suppliers and whether a physician prescription is required (some plans require one; others do not).
- Submit an eligibility form. Go to Aeroflow, Edgepark, or Byram's website and complete the online eligibility form. The supplier verifies coverage within 24–48 hours and handles all insurance paperwork on your behalf.
- Choose your pump. The supplier presents the pumps covered under your plan. If you want a premium wearable pump — such as the Elvie Stride or Willow Go — it may carry an upgrade co-pay typically ranging from $0 to approximately $85, depending on your plan.
- Receive delivery. Most DME suppliers ship within 5–10 business days. Start the process around 28 weeks to avoid any last-minute delays.
Aeroflow's automatic resupply program is worth noting: after your initial order, Aeroflow contacts your insurer on your behalf at set intervals to ship covered replacement parts — valves, membranes, and milk storage bags — without you having to initiate anything. Enrollment in this program is the single most underused element of the benefit.
When is the right time to order, and what pump should I choose?
Most insurers allow ordering to begin during the third trimester, commonly at 30–32 weeks gestation. Some plans permit ordering up to 60 days postpartum. Reaching out around 28 weeks is the practical sweet spot: it gives you time to compare models, accommodate any processing lag, and receive the pump before your due date without rushing.
There is no universally "right" pump — the best choice depends on your lifestyle and how you plan to use it:
- If you plan to pump primarily at home or at a desk: The Spectra S1 Plus (approximately $200 retail) is the benchmark for traditional double-electric performance — up to 270 mmHg of suction, a built-in rechargeable battery, closed system, and very quiet operation. It is almost universally covered at zero cost under standard plans.
- If you need to pump discreetly at work or on the go: Wearable pumps like the Elvie Stride or Willow Go offer in-bra convenience at 270–280 mmHg suction — within the clinical range. These are often covered with a modest upgrade co-pay. A controlled study found no statistically significant difference in breast emptying between wearable and traditional pumps when flange fit was correct.
- Practical sequencing most lactation professionals recommend: Obtain an insurance-covered traditional double electric pump (Spectra S1 or current covered Medela offering) to establish supply and determine correct flange size in the first four to six weeks postpartum. Once supply is established, add a wearable pump for daytime mobility. Using both in combination — a traditional pump for first-morning and last-evening sessions, a wearable for midday — represents the optimal balance of output and convenience.
Flange sizing is the highest-impact technical variable in pumping and is routinely underestimated. Standard pumps ship with 24 mm and 28 mm flanges, but clinical data from IBCLC practice shows the most commonly needed sizes in real populations range from 13–21 mm. Wearing the wrong size is the leading cause of pain, low output, and disappointing results with wearable pumps. Your insurer-covered lactation consultant can assess flange fit and recommend aftermarket silicone inserts (Maymom, Nenesupply) that reduce the tunnel diameter without purchasing new flanges.
What if my claim is denied?
Claim denials are more common than they should be, but most are overturnable. The most frequent cause is miscoding — the pump being billed under Durable Medical Equipment benefit categories rather than under the preventive services benefit, which carries zero cost-sharing regardless of deductible status.
The most effective appeal approach combines two elements:
- A written appeal citing ACA Section 2713 and the HHS guidance confirming breast pump coverage.
- An ACOG breastfeeding coverage statement attached to support the clinical and legal basis for coverage.
Most disputes resolved this way take fewer than 30 days. Your DME supplier — particularly Aeroflow — has experience navigating insurer denials and can support the appeal process. Keep copies of all correspondence and confirm your appeal is assigned a reference number.
This article provides general information about insurance benefits and is not legal or medical advice. Insurance plan terms vary; contact your insurer or a licensed insurance counselor for guidance specific to your plan. Speak with your healthcare provider or a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) for personalized breastfeeding and pumping support.
Frequently asked
Does every insurance plan cover a free breast pump?
Almost every plan sold after August 1, 2012 must cover a breast pump and lactation support at zero cost-sharing — no copay, no deductible — under ACA Section 2713 as a required preventive service. The main exception is grandfathered plans — those purchased before March 23, 2010 that have not made significant benefit changes since. By law, your insurer must notify you in writing if you hold a grandfathered plan. Most employer-sponsored plans, individual marketplace plans, and state Medicaid programs (though covered models vary by state) are included. If you are unsure, call member services and ask directly whether breast pumps are covered as a preventive service per ACA Section 2713.
Which is the easiest DME supplier to use — Aeroflow, Edgepark, or Byram?
Aeroflow Breastpumps is widely considered the most consumer-friendly option. You submit an online eligibility form at aeroflowbreastpumps.com, the company verifies your coverage within 24–48 hours, handles all insurance paperwork, and ships the pump directly to your home. Aeroflow also contacts your insurer on your behalf for replacement parts (valves, membranes, storage bags) covered on a recurring schedule. Edgepark contracts with many smaller regional plans that Aeroflow may not accept, making it a reliable fallback. Byram Healthcare (byrambaby.com) offers a clean online interface organized by insurance plan. Starting with Aeroflow is a reasonable default; if your plan is not in their network, try Edgepark or Byram.
When should I order my breast pump through insurance?
Most insurers allow orders to begin during the third trimester, commonly at 30–32 weeks gestation, though some plans permit ordering up to 60 days after delivery. CMS FAQ Set 12 confirms marketplace plans are 100% covered without cost-sharing. Reaching out around 28 weeks gives you the most lead time and avoids delays near your due date. Contacting your insurer or a DME supplier early is especially important if you are delivering around a holiday or if you want a specific pump model that may have a longer fulfillment time. Once ordered, most DME suppliers deliver within 5–10 business days. There is no benefit to waiting — the coverage benefit does not change based on when in the covered window you place the order.
Can I get a wearable pump like the Elvie Stride or Willow Go for free?
Wearable pumps such as the Elvie Stride (approximately $269.99 retail) and the Willow Go (approximately $329 retail) exceed the base tier covered by most plans. Many insurers do cover them — but with an upgrade co-pay that typically ranges from $0 to approximately $85, depending on your plan and the specific model. When you submit your eligibility form through Aeroflow or Byram, the supplier will show you the full list of pumps covered under your plan and the applicable upgrade cost for any premium model. Checking your eligibility through Aeroflow is the fastest way to see exactly which models are zero-cost versus upgrade-priced under your specific plan.
What if my insurance denies my breast pump claim?
Claim denials are most often caused by miscoding — the pump being billed under Durable Medical Equipment rather than under the preventive services benefit. The most effective appeal approach is to submit a written appeal citing ACA Section 2713 and the HHS guidance on breast pump coverage alongside an ACOG breastfeeding coverage statement. Most disputes resolved by this method take fewer than 30 days. Your DME supplier (Aeroflow, Edgepark, or Byram) should be able to support you through the appeal process, as they have experience navigating insurer denials on behalf of their customers. Keep copies of all correspondence and confirm that the appeal is logged and assigned a reference number.
Does the ACA benefit also cover lactation consultant visits?
Yes. ACOG confirms that the ACA Section 2713 preventive services mandate covers comprehensive prenatal and postnatal lactation support and counseling — not just the pump hardware. This means visits with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) should be covered at zero cost-sharing under most non-grandfathered plans, including for flange-fit assessments, latch support, and pumping troubleshooting. In practice, coverage and billing codes vary by plan and provider, so call your insurer to confirm which lactation services are in-network and whether a referral is required. Major insurers including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Anthem generally include IBCLC visits in their preventive services benefit.
Will insurance cover replacement pump parts?
Some plans cover replacement parts — valves, membranes, flanges, and milk storage bags — on a recurring schedule through the same DME supplier that provided your pump. Aeroflow's automatic resupply program handles this proactively: they contact your insurer on your behalf and ship covered replacement parts at set intervals. The coverage frequency and the specific parts covered depend on your plan. Membranes and valves are the parts most likely to be covered and most urgently need replacement (every 2–4 weeks under daily use). Worn membranes are the leading cause of unexplained suction loss, so staying on top of the replacement schedule matters for pumping efficiency. Ask your DME supplier to enroll you in automatic resupply when you place your initial pump order.