Health benefits & coverage

Most Marketplace plans must provide breastfeeding equipment and counseling for pregnant and nursing women.

You may be able to get help with breastfeeding at no cost

Health insurance plans must provide breastfeeding support, counseling, and equipment for the duration of breastfeeding. These services may be provided before and after birth.

This applies to Marketplace plans and all other health insurance plans, except for grandfathered plans.

Coverage of breast pumps

Your health insurance plan must cover the cost of a breast pump. It may be either a rental unit or a new one you’ll keep. Your plan may have guidelines on whether the covered pump is manual or electric, the length of the rental, and when you’ll receive it (before or after birth).

But it’s up to you and your doctor to decide what's right for you.

Your doctor’s breastfeeding recommendations

Your insurance plan will often follow your doctor’s recommendations on what’s medically appropriate. Some insurance plans may require pre-authorization from your doctor. Talk to your doctor to find out what this means for you.