Thank you OP! I benefited from this thread last year around this time. I also got the fully covered Spectra 1 through Aetna. I love it, such a great pump.

Very useful thread. I have Aetna and Just got Spectra S1 from Edwards Health Care Services for 30$ upgrade fee. There were other options, including S2 covered 100 percent. Quite simple process and the pump has already been shipped.

I'm the OP of this thread. Just want to add feedback that I've been happy with my Spectra S1 at home and for travel. The battery pack is worth the upgrade fee. I had to travel internationally for work and pumped a lot for three days. I charged the battery on the way to and from my destination, and didn't have to charge it in between the flights. I thought this was less of a risk for blowing out the charger with a difference in voltage. At work, I use the Medela Symphony my company provides. I get similar output with both. I'm glad that people are updating this thread, as it takes a good amount of legwork to determine the price differences among equipment providers. Way to cooperate and support each other, DCUM!

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Upgrade fees as of Nov. 2018 for Spectra S1:

1 Nature way $ 95
A+ Yummy N/A
Aeroflow $ 95 or $135
Byram Health N/A
Edward Medical $31
Genadyne/Lucina N/A
Medline N/A
Pumping essential $ 95 ( but their S2 also cost $ 50)
Sunmed $57

NP here. I found this chain and submitted my form to Edwards to get the S1 fully covered. (Thanks DCUM!) Apparently though, as of TODAY, Aetna lowered the amount they are covering on any pump from $250 to $170 and so the S1 now has an upcharge through Edwards of $30. They were helpful but it seems like they can’t do anything. Should I just go with this and pay the $30 (I’m mostly annoyed at Aetna but it’s not a huge sum) or does anyone know a place that fully covers the S1? If I can get it somewhere else and save the $30 I will but it’s not worth hours of my time calling 10 places....

This is insane that there would be an up charge. The spectra is cheaper than the Pisa

OP, thanks so much for posting! It was very helpful! I also got the Spectra S1 with no upgrade fee in 2018. And they were surprisingly fast in responding and shipping.

11:28, I’m not the expert in breast pumps, but I can tell you what I’ve heard from asking around. Most people recommended either the Spectra or Medela. I talked to someone who had used both with different kids, and she said she definitely recommended the Spectra over the Medela. The Spectra S1 is like the S2, but has the added option of being able to be battery-charged, in addition to plugging in, in case you need it on the go. She said that that can be helpful for traveling.

PP here and just wanted to say you can enter all your information through the website and they will handle contacting ob/mw for Rx. Their twitter account says the spectra 1 offer is good till Feb. 15th.


Now, I've submitted my info...but can someone tell me if I want the Spectra 1? Is this the top of the line pump on the market now? Thanks, just thought I'd jump on it, and figure out if it is what I wanted after.

OP here: I didn't need a prescription before calling -- I think I had to give them my OB/GYN's info and my insurance info, and they made the rest of the contacts. I ordered it over the phone. Again, a great experience, and I'm glad that 14:00 was also able to get it covered 100% in 2018, too.

Thanks OP! I have the same plan, due in May. Wondering if I need to get a Rx first, or can I just call? The last time around, I thought I had to have already delivered or some such thing. I ended up with such a run around (6years ago) I didn't pursue through my insurance.

14:00 back to report that I was also able to get the Spectra 1 covered at 100% through my Aetna PPO insurance through Edwards Health Care Services.

Super easy process as well! I just filled out their online form, they verified my insurance, and called for final approval to put through the request.

Thanks again, OP!!!

You're welcome. I understand some coverage may have changed with the new calendar year. But one great thing is that I'm due in April and I already received my free pump from Edwards. One less thing to worry about!

Thank you for this information! I was just about to start doing this research. You are awesome!

In case this helps: I just called around to different durable medical equipment providers regarding my Aetna PPO coverage for the Spectra S1 (which can carry an upgrade fee) over the S2 (which does not). One provider had a $95 upgrade fee, Pumping Essentials charges a $39.99 upgrade fee (and includes a KIINDE DIRECT ADAPTOR - BREASTFEEDING STARTER SET), and Edwards Health Care Services charges no upgrade fee for the S1. I went with Edwards.