This letter is in reply to Pam's need for additional information regarding
getting insurance company coverage for Breastpumps. With the advent of
managed care we have seen increasingly that insurance companies are
attempting to reduce costs in all areas not just lactation. Increasingly
its more difficult to secure coverage for equipment.

Of course the key is to focus on how this rental will decrease the
insurance costs over time. Focus on the cost savings aspect may assist in
obtaining coverage. Additionally persistence is also a key. Also personal
touch. My brother worked as a claims examiner for an insurance company. He
tended to pay claims when someone would call him every day about the claim.
Also make the claim very "humanized" and let them know they are affecting a
real person.

At least the mother got some assistance with WIC. Years ago mothers
sometimes had nowhere to go. However, the help from WIC is still not
consistent. Some state WIC's have purchased hundred's of Hospital Grade
Pumps. Others offices have none available. It would be good to see some
consistency here.

Most of the Pump companies offer "Grant" programs that allow indigent
mothers access to electric pumps. You might want to contact a local rental
station to learn more about these programs. However, these grant pumps many
time have issues of access and availability. It is still highly desirable
for the mother to be able to get the pump as soon as possbile from a
convenient location. Many rental Stations are in suburban areas. The need
for pumps tends to be more high concentrated in urban areas. Even in
suburbia there are issue of transportation, etc.

Richard Weston
Medela Inc.
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