Breast Pump Ordering Experience - United HealthCare?

[Anonymous]

My due date is July 1st. I called EdgePark today to order my breastpump, and was told I can only order after the birth....and then it takes 5-7 days to prcoess and then 2-3 days to ship. when I called UHC a month or so ago, they said they would ship within a month of the birth which makes more sense so you'd have it prior to the birth. Does anyone have any experience with UHC getting it prior to the birth?

The other companies UHC gave me were LucinaCare.com (didn't like their options) and Byram Health Care (waiting to hear back from them).

Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

I am due July21st and was told the same thing by Edgepark (at least I think it was Edgepark- it was a couple of months ago that I called). I tried to explain that it was covered up to 60 days before. The lady I spoke with told me I may be able to try back a couple of days before my due date. I am not planning on pumping too early anyway- but it would be nice to have ahead of time.

I am using Byram for another pregnancy related issue (GD) and they have been very prompt (my supplies were overnighted the same day I was diagnosed and I had them the next day). And through everything, I will tell you, I have been incredibly impressed with United Healthcare. I have had a lot of issues and have had to see a lot of specialists- they have covered everything and I have had no issues at all.

That being said, being that I will be in the same boat (just 20 days later than you) can you please post when you hear back from Byram. Which breast pump are you looking for? The Ameda or the Medela?

Thanks!!!

[Anonymous]

OP here - I was planning to get the Ameda since it is smaller (no huge bag). The Medela seems like a good pump (and similar to the one I had with my frist) but the bag is huge. Both seemed to get good reviews.

I will post once I hear back from Byram, and plan to push UHC if necessary to get it shipped sooner. I didn't have any problems BF with my first (so wouldn't need the pump immediately in an ideal situation), but if I have issues or the baby has issues, waiting 10 days after birth for a pump is not helpful.

[Anonymous]

With UHC, you have to wait til the baby is born.

[Anonymous]

Anyone else get the sense that the insurance companies have these irrational policies so that they can say they are complying with the law that they have to cover it but are hoping that they will force people to just buy their own pumps ahead of time?

[Anonymous]

That's disappointing to hear. With my first I wasn't planning on pumping right away but had latching issues and needed the pump asap. Do they cover rentals if that's the case? Awful policy.

[Anonymous]

I don't know about the rentals, but it's a good question to ask them. I'm hoping for no latch problems. Let us know if you ask. I don't have the energy to call them back now.

[Anonymous]

I have United Healthcare and got mine from Byram. It was a fantastic experience. I first placed an order from Edgepark and when it hadn't arrived in quite some time -- thankfully I wasn't in a rush for it -- I called and found out they'd canceled my order (??) without notifying me. I called Byram and had the pump the next day. Customer service at Byram was courteous and helpful, which seems so rare nowadays.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have United Healthcare and got mine from Byram. It was a fantastic experience. I first placed an order from Edgepark and when it hadn't arrived in quite some time -- thankfully I wasn't in a rush for it -- I called and found out they'd canceled my order (??) without notifying me. I called Byram and had the pump the next day. Customer service at Byram was courteous and helpful, which seems so rare nowadays.

What pump did you get and did you get it before the birth? TIA!

[Anonymous]

I haven't dug into UHC's current policy, but I had to purchase mine ahead of time with my DS and submitted for reimbursement after the fact.

[Anonymous]

OP here - posting back as promised. I never heard back from the email I sent to Byram HealthCare so I called them. After waiting on the phone for about 15-20 minutes they sent me the order form and info on the two models that they carry. I'm just going to cut and paste the info from the email for those of you that might need it. If you email/call them for the order form you can email/fax it back to them.

The Medela MY57038 is not available commercially so you won’t find it on their website
It is a model that is only offered through DMEs working with insurance companies.
It has the Pump In Style motor but not the one touch let down button that you find on some of their other models.
The MY57038 is currently Out of Stock and we anticipate having this available after July 1.

The Ameda Purely Yours (No Tote) is in stock.

You can return the form to us via email or fax noted on the form.
Generally, UHC requires that the baby be born and then you have up to a year post-partum to buy the pump.
UHC has various plans and so we can't tell you if yours requires an RX so we would suggest that if you have one that you remit it with the order, just in case.
If the baby has been born or is due within the next week we begin the process immediately, otherwise please remit your order form 30 days prior to your baby’s due date.
Please allow us up to 5 days to process the order and verify benefits
If your provider quotes us anything less that 100% coverage we would contact you via email and not release the order until we have your approval.
We also use our customer's emails to send notification when their order ships including the tracking number.
Shipping can take an additional 3-5 business days

Due to the personal nature of these products they are non-returnable.

[Anonymous]

United Health Care Covers Breast Pumps with any so it is In-Network Durable Medical Equipment Provider (DME) You can always call or go online to request a list of your local DME providers, but the main three they give out are Byram Healthcare, Edge Park, and Lucina Care. Byram Healthcare number is 877-902-9726 and allow you to order up to 30 days prior to your due date. Edge Park number is 1-800-321-0591 and allows you to order once you deliver. Lucina Care's number is 888-809-9750 and allows you to order anytime during your pregnancy. All 3 DME providers offer different pumps and/or packages so it is important to look at each one carefully.

[Anonymous]

Byram was the best experience. I had to cancel my order with Edgepark because they had no idea what they were doing!!! Told me only rentals were covered. Why the heck they make you wait until you give birth is so silly. You already have a million things to do.

[Anonymous]

Hi there,
I am curios if anyone with UHC were able to get Medela from the three DME supplies that they mentioned (Byram, Edgepark and Lucina Care's)? When I called these three companies they told me that they are not contracted with UHC for Medela, but Ameda only, which we perceive not as good as Medela? If yes, please let me know.

I do agree with the post above that it does feel that the UHC 'hopes' that we will not be buying the pump thru insurance, but with out of pocket.
DM

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi there,
I am curios if anyone with UHC were able to get Medela from the three DME supplies that they mentioned (Byram, Edgepark and Lucina Care's)? When I called these three companies they told me that they are not contracted with UHC for Medela, but Ameda only, which we perceive not as good as Medela? If yes, please let me know.

I do agree with the post above that it does feel that the UHC 'hopes' that we will not be buying the pump thru insurance, but with out of pocket.
DM

I'm 6/3 16:52 above (with the fantastic experience with Byram and not-so-fantastic with Edgepark). I got a Medela from Byram. It's some sort of Pump In Style, although not sure if it is called that. It came with a tote, battery pack, adapter, four bottles, ice pack and cooler (and the pump and all parts, too, obviously). Although I got the Medela, Ameda is just as good and is actually what the hospital carried. The lactation consultant said they prefer Ameda because it's a closed system (i.e., milk cannot get into the tubing).