Does Insurance Cover a Lactation Consultant?
It depends on your insurer, your specific plan, and where you live. Some families have part or all of the cost reimbursed, some pay with HSA or FSA funds, and others pay out of pocket.
The lactation consultants listed on Bornbir tell us which plans they accept. Pick your insurance below to see lactation consultants near you who accept it, or answer a few questions and let matching lactation consultants come to you.
Insurance plans accepted by lactation consultants
78 plans with at least 2 lactation consultants listed on Bornbir.
- UnitedHealthcare Lactation Consultants 386 providers
- Cigna Lactation Consultants 384 providers
- Aetna Lactation Consultants 379 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Lactation Consultants 282 providers
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Lactation Consultants 230 providers
- Anthem Blue Cross Lactation Consultants 188 providers
- Tricare Lactation Consultants 158 providers
- Multiplan PHCS Lactation Consultants 138 providers
- Carrot Lactation Consultants 119 providers
- Medicaid Lactation Consultants 110 providers
- Humana Lactation Consultants 85 providers
- Meritain Health Lactation Consultants 80 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Lactation Consultants 60 providers
- Blue Shield of California Lactation Consultants 59 providers
- UnitedHealthcare Oxford Lactation Consultants 57 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Lactation Consultants 54 providers
- Kaiser Permanente Lactation Consultants 51 providers
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Lactation Consultants 51 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Lactation Consultants 48 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Lactation Consultants 46 providers
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield Lactation Consultants 44 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Lactation Consultants 42 providers
- Blue Choice Health Plan Lactation Consultants 40 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi Lactation Consultants 40 providers
- Premera Blue Cross Lactation Consultants 40 providers
- GEHA Lactation Consultants 39 providers
- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey Lactation Consultants 39 providers
- Independence Blue Cross Lactation Consultants 39 providers
- CHAMPVA Lactation Consultants 38 providers
- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Lactation Consultants 37 providers
- Capital Blue Cross Lactation Consultants 33 providers
- All Savers Insurance Lactation Consultants 31 providers
- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware Lactation Consultants 31 providers
- Highmark Blue Shield Lactation Consultants 31 providers
- Horizon NJ Health Lactation Consultants 31 providers
- GWH-Cigna (formerly Great West Healthcare) Lactation Consultants 29 providers
- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey For Barbanas Health Lactation Consultants 29 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Lactation Consultants 28 providers
- Highmark BlueCross BlueShield of West Virginia Lactation Consultants 28 providers
- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey For Novartis Lactation Consultants 28 providers
- Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Lactation Consultants 28 providers
- Health Net Lactation Consultants 26 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Lactation Consultants 25 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Lactation Consultants 25 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Lactation Consultants 25 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Lactation Consultants 25 providers
- Molina Healthcare Lactation Consultants 25 providers
- Nippon Life Benefits Lactation Consultants 25 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota Lactation Consultants 24 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island Lactation Consultants 24 providers
- Choice Care Network Lactation Consultants 24 providers
- US Health Group Lactation Consultants 24 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee Lactation Consultants 23 providers
- Caterpillar Lactation Consultants 23 providers
- HealthSmart Lactation Consultants 23 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Lactation Consultants 22 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont Lactation Consultants 21 providers
- Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield Lactation Consultants 21 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City Lactation Consultants 20 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico Lactation Consultants 20 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York Lactation Consultants 20 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana Lactation Consultants 19 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Lactation Consultants 19 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma Lactation Consultants 19 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Lactation Consultants 18 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming Lactation Consultants 18 providers
- Florida Blue: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Lactation Consultants 18 providers
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina Lactation Consultants 17 providers
- Blue Cross of Idaho Lactation Consultants 16 providers
- Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania Lactation Consultants 15 providers
- Blue Shield of Northeastern New York Lactation Consultants 14 providers
- Triwest Healthcare Alliance Lactation Consultants 14 providers
- Medicare Lactation Consultants 11 providers
- Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield Lactation Consultants 10 providers
- Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Lactation Consultants 7 providers
- Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield Lactation Consultants 6 providers
- Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus Lactation Consultants 5 providers
- Triple-S Salud: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Puerto Rico Lactation Consultants 3 providers
How to check your own coverage
- Call the number on your insurance card. Ask member services whether lactation consultant services are covered under your plan, and what paperwork they need.
- Ask the lactation consultant how they bill. Some bill your plan directly, and others give you an itemized receipt to submit for reimbursement.
- Ask about the alternatives if your plan says no. HSA and FSA funds, sliding scale rates, and payment plans are all worth asking about.
FAQs
What is a lactation consultant?
A lactation consultant is a healthcare professional specializing in breastfeeding support. They provide expert advice and practical help to mothers experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding, such as issues with latch, milk supply, or pain during nursing. Lactation consultants also offer guidance on pumping, milk storage, and returning to work while breastfeeding.
How can lactation consultants help struggling mamas?
Lactation consultants can provide invaluable support to struggling mothers by offering personalized advice and techniques for effective breastfeeding. They address issues such as latching difficulties, pain during nursing, and concerns about milk supply. Their expertise helps in identifying and resolving physical barriers, like tongue ties, and they can also offer strategies for pumping and storing breast milk.
What to do before seeing lactation consultant?
Before seeing a lactation consultant, it's helpful to jot down your breastfeeding history, any challenges you're facing, and questions you have. Keeping a feeding and diaper change log can also provide valuable insights for the consultant. If possible, bring your baby hungry but not overly so, to observe a typical feeding session.
Is it worth seeing a lactation consultant while pregnant?
Yes, seeing a lactation consultant while pregnant can be very beneficial. It can prepare you for breastfeeding by providing education on what to expect, how to properly latch your baby, and how to manage common challenges. This preparation can increase your confidence and help reduce the risk of breastfeeding difficulties after birth. It's an investment in a smoother breastfeeding journey.
Can you pay for a lactation consultant with HSA or FSA funds?
Yes, you can pay for a lactation consultant with both HSA and FSA funds. The IRS includes lactation consulting as an eligible medical expense. This means you can use your HSA or FSA to pay for lactation consulting services without having to pay taxes on those dollars. It's always a good idea to keep detailed receipts and documentation for all medical expenses paid using HSA or FSA funds in case of audit or verification needs. Additionally, it's recommended to check with your specific HSA or FSA plan provider to confirm coverage details, as there may be variations in coverage and eligibility requirements between different plans.
Are lactation consultants covered by insurance?
Yes, lactation consultants can be covered by insurance, but coverage varies by plan. In the United States, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most health insurance plans to cover breastfeeding support and counseling by a trained provider, as well as certain breastfeeding equipment, without a copayment or coinsurance when these services are delivered by an in-network provider. This coverage typically includes lactation consultants, but the extent of the coverage (such as the number of visits covered) can differ from one insurance plan to another. The following providers have been known to reimburse lactation consultant services: Aetna, UHC (United Health Care), BCBS, Cigna.
What's the difference between a lactation consultant and a lactation counselor?
Lactation counselors may be certified after shorter courses, typically ranging from 20 to 45 hours of instruction, through various organizations. Certifications include Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Certified Breastfeeding Educator (CBE), and Certified Lactation Educator (CLE), among others. The training focuses on basic breastfeeding management techniques, including helping with positioning and latch, and promoting breastfeeding. Lactation consultants are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). They undergo extensive training, typically involving college-level health science education, 90 hours of lactation-specific education, and up to 1000 hours of clinical practice in lactation support before they can take the certification exam to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). IBCLCs are healthcare professionals who can manage complex lactation issues, including problems with milk supply, painful breastfeeding, lactation after breast surgery, and supporting families with infants having special needs, prematurity, or health problems that affect breastfeeding.
How much does it cost to use Bornbir?
Bornbir is entirely free for new and expecting parents to use. To begin, simply tell our community of lactation consultants what you need in your job posting and let the right providers come to you. You can then engage in direct conversations with top-rated providers to learn more and make informed decisions. Our goal is to facilitate a seamless and accessible experience for you as you embark on this transformative journey. Get started.
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