How to Qualify for Breast Pumps Through Insurance with TRICARE
Are you a military mom looking to qualify for breast pumps through TRICARE insurance? Pumps for Mom can help you find out all the details you need to know about TRICARE insurance and provide an overview of the breastfeeding policies to expect within the different branches of the United States military for moms on the job. Whether you’re an active service member, retiree, or spouse, you can get a breast pump through insurance.
TRICARE Insurance
TRICARE is the medical insurance for military members, their families, and retirees. TRICARE benefits are relatively straightforward. If you’re married to an active duty, retired, or Guard-Reserve service member, you must be filed as a dependent of your spouse, who is your sponsor. After you separate from the military, you can continue to use TRICARE.
Any female covered by the policy who intends to breastfeed needs a prescription and will be given supplies for up to 36 months after the baby’s birth. All TRICARE plans offer breast pumps under their coverage, and while you don’t need to specify a particular brand, your prescription will need to be for either a manual or electric pump.
Which Breast Pumps are Covered with TRICARE?
TRICARE moms can select from some of the best breast pump brands like Medela, Ameda, Spectra, Lansinoh, and more. Manual, electric, and hospital-grade breast pumps may all be available. Some breast pump accessories and supplies are covered by TRICARE, including power adaptors, locking rings, bottles, storage bags, and even compression garments. Pumps for Mom will handle the details; fill out our simple form to see which breast pumps you qualify for through TRICARE.
Breastfeeding Policies within Different Military Branches
Since breast milk is beneficial for newborns, the United States Military has a set policy within each branch for nursing mothers. Though the Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force have their own standards, they all have similar requirements. All moms will get private accommodations and be protected from harassment while pumping.
Members who wish to breastfeed need to tell their chain of command when they will start nursing. Commanders will designate a private room other than a restroom and give each service member enough time to breastfeed. Through insurance and MTFs (Military Treatment Facilities), lactation support, including counseling and equipment, is often available, as are refrigeration options.
Breastfeeding Soldiers in the Army may still participate in field training, mobility, and deployment after completing their postpartum deployment deferment period. At the same time, Marines are exempt from some activity that puts their health, and therefore the baby’s health, at risk. As for moms who wish to breastfeed with their baby directly, they may get special breaks to do so on a case-by-case basis.
Get Your Breast Pump Through Pumps for Mom
No matter what your relationship to the armed forces, TRICARE has options for all breastfeeding moms. If you aren’t under TRICARE but are still looking to qualify for a free breast pump, most other insurance plans also provide access to breastfeeding equipment Pumps for Mom can help you get started on your breastfeeding journey today.