In New York State, Medicaid covers the following (this is what they pay to
the pharmacy that supplies these items):
Piston or cylinder pump                $14.95
Battery or electric pump                 32.82
Nipple shield                                    1.39
Nursing pads - 36                             3.27

Rental of Electric pump                $50.00 maximum paid for 2 mos. rental
    -available from DME (durable medical equipment) provider only
    -need letter of medical necessity
    -baby must be in the hospital with "problems"
    -must be pre-approved for payment

These reimbursement amounts are so low that quality equipment is not
available (there is no profit to be made).  Medela's Little Hearts manual
pump is very good, but that is all that is covered and availability is
limited.  Since preapproval is required for a rental pump, the need for it
is passed before the OK comes through (read "Mom gives up").  Rare is the
DME who will advance the rental in the hope that the money will follow from
Medicaid.

Sad situation.  Is any other state doing better?

Barb Berges BS, RN, IBCLC
Rochester, New York

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html