Insurance Option: The Lactation Network

 In 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law in the United States. This landmark legislation included a provision that required health insurance plans to cover certain preventive services without cost-sharing.

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued guidelines that expanded on the ACA's preventive care requirements. These guidelines specifically included comprehensive lactation support and counseling, as well as costs for renting breastfeeding equipment, as services that must be covered without cost-sharing.

This mandate took effect for most insurance plans beginning August 1, 2012. For the first time, it required insurance companies to cover lactation consultations and breast pumps as part of women's preventive health services.

The inclusion of lactation services in insurance coverage was based on evidence showing the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants. It aimed to remove financial barriers that might prevent women from accessing professional lactation support.

Since then, most health insurance plans in the U.S. have been required to cover lactation consulting services without copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles when provided by in-network providers. However, the specifics of coverage can still vary by plan and provider.

This change represented a significant shift in recognizing the importance of professional lactation support and making it more accessible to new mothers across the country.

 We appreciate your inquiry about insurance coverage. While we strive to accommodate as many patients as possible, we do not contract with all insurance providers. Additionally, insurance company contracts can change without notice, which may affect coverage.

For the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding your specific insurance coverage, we recommend proceeding through our partners, The Lactation Network. They specialize in verifying insurance benefits for lactation services and can provide you with the most current information about your coverage.

To explore your insurance options, please submit your information through The Lactation Network using the following link: https://go.lactationnetwork.com/HandinHandMotherBabyServicesLLC  

They will assist you in determining your eligibility and guide you through the process of using your insurance for our services.

Currently accepted insurances:  

- Most Blue Cross PPO

- Blue Shield PPO

- Anthem PPO

- Cigna PPO and VA CCN (Veterans Affairs Community Care Network)

- Most plans that utilize MultiPlan and PNAO

- United Health Care (HMO & Commercial plans in 49 states [Hawaii pending] for in-person consultation only)

If you have any further questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us at support@handnhandmbs.com.

Disclaimer:

By choosing to use insurance for lactation consultations through our partnership with The Lactation Network:

• The Lactation Network will verify insurance coverage on behalf of patients. However, patients are required to complete an online form to initiate this process.
• While The Lactation Network will verify coverage, final determination of benefits is subject to the insurance company's policies. Patients may be responsible for out-of-pocket fees if insurance claims are denied.
• If your insurance is not accepted or you lack coverage, you will be responsible for the full fee, payable before the appointment. The Lactation Network will notify you directly.

We strongly recommend patients complete the required online form promptly to allow sufficient time for insurance verification prior to the scheduled appointment.

If paying out of pocket, please review the options and pricing/fees listed below. Payment is required before the appointment commences.

*In case of appointment cancellation due to our schedule, you will receive a full refund. 

Initial Home Visit Consultation  (90 minutes) $295/visit

Initial Virtual Consultation Visit (90 minutes)   $250/visit 

Follow Up Home Visit or Telehealth Visit (45-60 minutes)  $200/visit

Check-in Visit  (30 minutes)  $150/visit