working with insurance company

[megs4413]

has anyone had luck workign with their insurance co? i am wanting to get with them about approving a hospital breast pump rental because DS won't be able to nurse due to his cleft. i want to try and work it out BEFORE he's born if I can...does anyone know who i contact about this? i'm sure they've dealt with cleft babies before, so there shoudl be someone i can talk to there! i don't want to just call the generic customer service line since they really won't necessarily be able to do anything for me. any advice on dealing with the insurance co. is appreciated!

[JennyK]

For both my pregnancies my insurance company assigned me a case manager. I didn't have to initiate it. Both times my case manager was a huge help in getting the things I needed approved. I wonder if you can request one since your baby will have ongoing medical issues?

I hope they cover the pump for you. Is there anything available to help you pay for the expensive bottles? Those are obviously a medical necessity too.

For what it's worth, I've read that a hosptial grade pump doesn't really work any better than a Medela PIS. I have no first-hand experience with a hospital grade pump.

[mrsbigdog]

I had a case manager too. Both Blue Choice/Blue Shield and Aetna assigned them to me early on but they both closed my case when my PICC was removed.

I would try calling the insurance and asking about a case manager - since you are somewhat high risk and the baby will have some difficulties they should be willing to work with you.

Keep us updated on how it goes.

Donna

[caleighbelle47]

I felt that my Medela PIS worked as well as the hospital pump I used at the hospital. John was in the NICU and never learned to breastfeed so I pumped full time. A lot of insurance companies will cover the price of buying a pump under durable medical equipment. I know a lot of woman who had their insurance companies pay 80% or more of it. Might be worth looking into.