Quick answer
Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act, most health plans have to cover a breast pump at no cost to you, along with breastfeeding support and counseling. Your plan can set some rules, like whether the pump is a rental or yours to keep and which supplier you use, so check with your insurer before you order. Grandfathered plans are the main exception.
Key takeaways
- Most plans cover a breast pump with no copay or coinsurance, even if you haven’t met your deductible.
- Lactation counseling is covered too, before and after birth, for as long as you’re breastfeeding.
- Federal guidelines say coverage should include double electric pumps, pump parts and milk storage supplies.
- You’ll usually need to order through a supplier your plan works with, and some plans want a prescription.
- Grandfathered plans don’t have to follow these rules.
On this page
What’s covered
| Item | Usually covered at no cost? |
|---|---|
| Breast pump (rental or purchase) | Yes, on most plans |
| Pump parts and maintenance | Yes, under federal guidelines |
| Breast milk storage supplies | Yes, under federal guidelines |
| Lactation counseling and support | Yes, before and after birth |
| Upgraded or premium models | Some suppliers let you pay the difference |
Your plan may decide whether you get a manual or electric pump, but the federal guidelines say access to a double electric pump should be a priority and shouldn’t depend on a manual pump failing first. Your plan may also decide when you get it, before or after the birth.
How to get your pump through insurance
- Check what kind of plan you have. Plans that follow the Affordable Care Act must cover pumps. A grandfathered plan might still cover one, so ask.
- Call your insurer or check its website. Ask which pumps are covered, whether it’s a rental or a purchase, when you can order, and which suppliers to use.
- Get a prescription if your plan requires one. Your OB, midwife or primary care doctor can write it.
- Order through an approved supplier. Many medical supply companies handle the insurance paperwork and ship the pump to you.
- Ask about lactation visits. Counseling with a lactation consultant is covered too, and you may be able to see one through your plan’s network.
What you’ll pay
A covered pump shouldn’t cost anything out of pocket. It’s a preventive benefit, so your copay and deductible and coinsurance don’t apply, whatever metal level plan you have. You may pay if you buy a pump on your own at a store, use a supplier outside your plan’s network, or choose an upgraded model.
If you’d rather buy a pump yourself, it’s a qualified medical expense, so you can use HSA or FSA money. See what if you can afford your medical bills out of pocket for when paying cash makes sense.
Pregnancy and your baby’s coverage
Pumps are one part of the pregnancy benefits every ACA plan includes; see maternity coverage explained. After the birth, add your baby to your plan quickly, since the birth opens a limited special enrollment window; see qualifying events and health insurance for children.
Insurers handle pump orders differently, with different supplier lists and models. If you’re choosing a plan, customer service is one thing to compare; see the best health insurance companies.
Compare plans in your area: see quotes by ZIP code.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a breast pump before my baby is born?
Often, yes. Some plans let you order before your due date and others ship after the birth, so ask your insurer.
Will insurance cover a hospital-grade pump?
Some plans cover a hospital-grade rental when there’s a medical need, such as a baby in the NICU or trouble with milk supply. Your doctor may need to document the need.
Does insurance cover replacement parts?
Federal guidelines include pump parts and maintenance. Ask your insurer how often it replaces parts.
Does Medicaid cover breast pumps?
Many state Medicaid programs do. Check with your state Medicaid agency or your Medicaid health plan.
Sources
This article is general information, not medical advice. Last reviewed September 2026.