Breast Pump

To pump or not to pump - a breast pump is definitely not cheap but such a great investment. That has been lingering in my mind for the past month or so and now I'm down to 2 more weeks until my estimated due date with only a 2.5 cm dilation.

It was my standard 2 week pregnancy check up making sure Baby T's heartbeat was still going strong and thankfully it was.

Towards the end of my appointment my OB writes up a prescription to get a TDap  vaccination and a "breast pump." Puzzled at the "breast pump" prescription, I question her and found that the Affordable Care Act passed a law about 5 years ago that some medical insurance coverages will provide a FREE (that's right, FREE!!) breast pump! I start getting all wide-eyed and excited to do more research on obtaining a breast pump.

My appointment is done and I'm back at the office with three-quarters of work day left. Finally, lunchtime decides to make an appearance and I'm on the internet getting info of when the program started and which retail stores participate in giving me a FREE breast pump.

I find that my local Target accepts the prescription and has a better selection of breast pumps than other retailers. After work I head over to Target and anxiously await my turn at the Pharmacy. I'm next!...and am told that CVS has taken over Target's pharmacy department and will need to check with Customer Service for more info.

The customer representative I talked with had no clue what I was talking about but luckily an older gentleman did and he provided McKesson Patient Care Solutions, Inc. (MPCS) contact info - 805-406-PUMP (7867).

I called McKesson Patient Care Solutions, Inc. (MPCS) and their customer service was exceptional. I gave them my information and received an email confirming my inquiry with a list of breast pumps that were available under my insurance plan, either completely free or an upgraded pump for a nominal fee.

Here are my options and please note that this may differ depending on your medical coverage and/or the State you live in.

Breast Pump Basic Options
-Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump Starter Set
-Ameda Purely Yours Dual Electric Personal Double Pump

Breast Pump Upgrade Options (An Upgrade Agreement Form is Required)

-Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump Tote or Backpack  ($119 upgrade charge)
-Medela Freestyle Breastpump ($195 upgrade charge)

Needless to say, I chose the completely free breast pump - Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump Starter Set and it should be available for pick up at my local Target store in 1-3 business days.  Now how easy was that? I'm so excited!