If memory serves, I think the requirement for prescription came from
HMBANA. It's not a law, as such.
Check their latest book or their website. 
Possibly it's to assure that the medically needy get their limited
supplies, rather than the occasional very affluent, busy parent.
OTOH, does Prolacta require a prescription? 
The expensive specialty formulas have always been considered to be food by
insurance companies.
I don't think they cover the liquid formulas for adults either, even when
that is the only thing they can consume for a time.

Phyllis Adamson, IBCLC, RLC
Glendale, AZ
[log in to unmask]


> [Original Message]
> From: Naomi Bar-Yam <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: 6/18/2006 7:28:48 AM
> Subject: insurance and banked milk
>
> Hello everyone.
>
> I am working on insurance coverage for banked milk and I have a  
> couple of questions which I hope you'll be able to help me with.
>
> I read an article last week about Aetna insurance being required to  
> cover some special formula for a baby in NY state, so I wrote to them  
> and asked about covering banked milk. Their answer was the banked  
> milk and formula are considered foods and they don't cover food,  
> except in NY where it is required in certain circumstances.
>
> Here are my questions:
> 1. Where does the law/regulation come from that banked milk must be  
> prescribed by a physician? Is that all banked   milk? Is it the law  
> in all states?
>
> 2. Can someone point me to a copy of this law or regulation?
>
> 3. If it must be prescribed, then how can insurance companies argue  
> that it is food? Seems to me they can't have it both ways.
>
> Thanks,
>   Naomi
>
>
> ------------------------------------------
> Naomi Bar-Yam Ph.D.
> Mothers' Milk Bank of New England
>
> [log in to unmask]
> 617-964-6676
> ------------------------------------------
 

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