Becoming a parent pushes your life into a new rhythm almost overnight. There are appointments, plans, and practical needs that suddenly feel urgent, and somewhere in the middle of it all you’re expected to figure out what your insurance actually covers. If you’re trying to understand how Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield handles breast pump benefits, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common maternity-care questions, and the information rarely appears in one place.
So let’s slow things down and walk through it in a way that feels clear, steady, and actually useful. You’ll get straightforward answers about what Anthem covers, which pumps qualify, whether the Eufy pump makes the cut, and how to check your benefits without spending hours on hold.
Take a breath. This won’t be complicated.
Understanding How Anthem Covers Breast Pumps
Here’s the thing about insurance: even when policies look similar, the details depend on your specific plan and state. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield operate under the same national umbrella, but they manage coverage regionally. Still, one thing is consistent across almost all Anthem plans:
They cover breast pumps at no cost to you.
This comes from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which requires U.S. insurance providers to offer breastfeeding support and equipment for new moms. Anthem follows this requirement, though the details like rental versus purchase and the type of pump can vary.
At the simplest level, Anthem’s coverage usually includes:
- One breast pump per pregnancy
- Fully covered with no copay
- Your choice of manual or standard electric pump
- Coverage through an in-network medical equipment provider (DME)
- The option for a hospital-grade rental if medically necessary
The wording varies by plan, but the foundation is the same: Anthem supports breastfeeding families by ensuring access to a medically needed device without financial stress.
Still, that doesn’t mean every pump on the market is covered. Some popular hands-free wearable pumps like Willow or Elvie may only be partially covered or not covered at all unless your plan includes upgrades. That’s why understanding the categories matters.
Let’s break them down in a way that makes sense.
What Types of Breast Pumps Does Anthem Typically Cover?
Most Anthem plans sort breast pump coverage into three main groups. Rather than giving you a long, bureaucratic list, here’s the practical version the one real mothers use when they’re trying to choose.
1. Standard Electric Breast Pumps (Fully Covered)
These are the usual “covered in full” options. They’re reliable, effective, and meet the ACA’s minimum requirements.
Common fully covered pumps often include:
- Medela Pump In Style
- Spectra S2
- Lansinoh Smartpump 2.0
- Ameda Mya Joy
- Motif Luna (non-battery version)
They’re plug-in pumps, strong enough for daily use, and typically ship without an upgrade fee.
These are the safe picks if your goal is “fully covered with no surprises.”
2. Manual Breast Pumps (Always Covered)
Anthem always covers manual pumps, even for women who don’t want or qualify for an electric model.
Think small, lightweight, good for travel or emergencies:
- Medela Harmony
- Lansinoh Manual Pump
These are also covered per ACA requirements and rarely require prior authorization.
3. Battery-Operated or Wearable Pumps (Sometimes Covered)
Now we get to the real question many moms silently ask:
“Will Anthem pay for the pump I actually want?”
Wearable pumps like:
- Willow
- Elvie
- Momcozy
- Eufy Wearable Breast Pump
are becoming more popular, but they fall into upgrade territory. Anthem may cover a portion of the cost, but you often pay the difference.
Some plans cover them fully, but only when:
- The model is offered through an in-network DME
- It’s a standard electric wearable, not the premium version
- There’s no luxury upgrade added
The key is checking your exact plan, which I’ll show you how to do in a moment.
Does Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover the Eufy Breast Pump?
This is one of the most searched questions lately. Parents want the flexibility of hands-free pumping without losing insurance benefits.
So here’s the straightforward answer:
Yes, Anthem covers the Eufy breast pump on some plans but not all.
Here’s what determines coverage:
- If your plan includes wearable pumps as a covered benefit
- If your DME supplier is authorized to distribute Eufy
- If your plan allows battery-operated models without an upgrade fee
Most Anthem plans categorize Eufy as:
- A “wearable electric pump”
- Covered with partial reimbursement (you pay the upgrade difference)
- Fully covered only if your plan explicitly includes wearables
If your plan treats wearable pumps as cosmetic upgrades, you’ll get a discount applied but won’t get it 100% free.
To make it simple:
- Standard plug-in pumps = Usually free
- Wearable pumps = Sometimes free, often discounted, occasionally not covered
The safest way to confirm is to check through the DME supplier Anthem assigns to you which we’ll get into next.
How to Know If Your Anthem Insurance Will Cover Your Breast Pump
There’s no complicated process here. Anthem makes it surprisingly manageable when you follow the right path. Let’s break it down in a clear, two-step approach.
Step 1 Check Your Eligibility Through Anthem
You can check your coverage using any of these:
- Anthem mobile app
- Member portal on Anthem.com
- Calling the number on the back of your card
- Chatting with Anthem’s online support
Ask them directly:
“What breast pumps are covered under my maternity and DME benefits?”
You’re looking for:
- Plan type (HMO, PPO, POS)
- DME coverage rules
- Wearable pump policy
- Rental vs. purchase coverage
- Approved DME providers (critical step)
Write down the DME list they decide the brands you can order.
Step 2 Order Through an In-Network DME Supplier
This is where people often go wrong. Anthem doesn’t let you buy from any retailer and request reimbursement. The pump must come from:
- Aeroflow Breastpumps
- Edgepark
- Byram Healthcare
- Pumps for Mom
- Nurturing Expressions
- Or other state-specific DMEs
Your supplier checks:
- Your eligibility
- Your pump options
- Your upgrade possibilities
- Your shipping timeline
This is why the supplier list matters more than the Anthem website. Suppliers have the real-time inventory rules.
And here’s the good news:
You can usually get your order approved any time during pregnancy, though many moms order around 28–32 weeks.
Do I Need a Prescription for My Anthem-Covered Breast Pump?
Most Anthem plans still require a prescription, even though coverage is guaranteed. Don’t worry it’s easy.
Your OB/GYN or midwife can provide one. Sometimes the DME even requests it on your behalf.
The prescription usually needs to state:
“Electric breast pump”
and your name, provider info, and expected due date.
That’s it. No long explanation required.
Does Anthem Cover Hospital-Grade Breast Pumps?
Sometimes you need more than a standard pump especially if your newborn is premature, in NICU care, or temporarily unable to latch.
Anthem handles hospital-grade pumps differently:
Covered only when:
- Medically necessary
- Prescribed by a doctor
- Recommended for short-term use
You usually rent a hospital-grade pump rather than purchase one outright.
Common rental models:
- Medela Symphony
- Ameda Platinum
These are powerful and designed for establishing supply not daily long-term pumping.
How Often Does Anthem Replace Your Breast Pump?
Typically:
One breast pump every pregnancy.
If you get pregnant again, you qualify again.
If you lost or damaged your pump, replacement depends on your DME’s warranty.
What If Your Pump Isn’t Fully Covered?
This part matters, especially if you’re eyeing a wearable or an upgraded package.
Anthem may offer:
- Full coverage for basic pumps
- Partial coverage for popular wearable pumps
- Upgrade options through your DME
- Discounts even if the pump is out-of-network
You can upgrade by paying:
- The difference in price
- Sales tax
- Optional accessories
You’re still getting the base coverage applied to your total cost.
It’s not uncommon to see Anthem cover $150–$200 of a premium pump.
When Will Anthem Ship Your Breast Pump?
Once the DME approves your order:
- Some pumps ship immediately
- Others ship at 28–32 weeks (depending on state rules)
- Hospital-grade rentals may ship sooner with medical need
Most moms receive their pumps within:
3–10 business days
Wearable pumps sometimes take longer because of stock limits.
Common Questions Moms Ask (And Clear Answers)
Let’s make things simple and direct. These are the questions women ask again and again so here are the steady, no-nonsense answers.
“Which breast pump does Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield cover?”
You’ll almost always see coverage for:
- Spectra S2
- Medela Pump In Style
- Lansinoh Smartpump
- Ameda Mya Joy
- Motif Luna (non-battery version)
Wearables vary by plan.
“Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover breast pumps?”
Yes. All BCBS brands follow ACA requirements and cover at least:
- One electric pump
- One manual pump
per pregnancy, with no cost to you.
“How do I know if my insurance will cover my breast pump?”
You have three ways:
- Check your Anthem member portal
- Call the customer service number on your card
- Use an in-network DME company to verify for you
DMEs usually respond within 24–48 hours.
“Does Anthem cover the Eufy breast pump?”
Sometimes fully, sometimes partially, and sometimes not at all.
It depends on:
- Your state
- Your Anthem plan
- Your DME partner
Most often, expect partial coverage unless your plan includes wearables.
A Practical Walkthrough: What Your Ordering Journey Looks Like
Imagine you’re in your third trimester, trying to get everything ready. Here’s what the process actually feels like when it’s done correctly.
1: You verify your benefits
A quick call, a simple app check, or a chat with an online agent.
2: Anthem gives you a DME list
You choose one or sometimes they assign one automatically.
3: The DME shows you your covered pump options
This usually looks like a menu, with:
- Fully covered pumps
- Upgrade-eligible pumps
- Premium pumps with discounts
4: You select your pump
If you choose a wearable, you may see a small upgrade fee.
5: The DME confirms your due date and prescription
6: Your pump ships
Most electric pumps arrive in under a week.
7: You get tracking info
And then it’s one more thing off your mind.
Why The Right Pump Matters
There’s no universal “best” pump only the best one for your actual day-to-day life.
Some moms pump exclusively.
Some pump once or twice.
Some juggle newborns, jobs, commutes, and homes where multitasking isn’t optional.
That’s why Anthem’s coverage flexibility matters. Good coverage isn’t just a financial benefit it’s emotional breathing room. When moms feel supported, they make decisions from a place of calm instead of stress.
And honestly, insurance can do better or worse in this area. Anthem lands in the category of “better,” especially when you know how to navigate the process.
If You Want the Smoothest Experience, Here’s a Helpful Guideline
Do these three things first:
- Pick your DME
- Verify your plan’s wearable policy
- Compare fully covered vs. upgrade pumps
This prevents the classic problems:
- Choosing a pump before checking coverage
- Getting surprised by upgrade fees
- Ordering from a non-approved store
A few minutes of clarity saves you weeks of frustration.
A Thought to Take With You
Becoming a parent is a mix of anticipation, preparation, and quiet moments where everything feels a bit overwhelming. Insurance shouldn’t add pressure to that. The purpose of this coverage isn’t just to meet a legal requirement it’s to support you through a season that’s physically and emotionally demanding.
If you understand your Anthem coverage, the process becomes less of a battle and more of a simple checklist. The right breast pump can help you feed your baby, protect your supply, and bring a sense of stability into the daily routine that’s about to begin.
You deserve clarity. You deserve support. And you deserve access to the tools that make your journey a little smoother. Anthem’s breast pump benefit is one of those tools simple, practical, and genuinely helpful once you know how it works.
Whenever you’re ready for Step 2 in your motherhood journey, your pump will be one less thing to worry about.
Dr. Aaron Cole is a Christian apologist and teacher who explores the meeting of faith, reason, and modern life. He helps readers strengthen belief in the Bible’s truth through clear, thoughtful reflection.
