Moms who qualify for Medicaid usually also qualify for the Women,
Infants, and Children Nutritional Program (WIC) . Our WIC program lends
hospital-grade, electric double pumps to moms who need them. We also
have hand pumps and mid-level pumps for moms who qualify.
Rowena Tucker IBCLC
WIC#32 Texas, USA
mailto:[log in to unmask]
or
mailto:[log in to unmask]

You wrote:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Date:    Mon, 17 Sep 2001 16:13:22 -0400
From:    Barbara Berges <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Medicaid - New York

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>>>>>>>>>>.

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