I live in Alaska and have the kroger-dedicated Anthem BCBS, but have been fighting for SEVEN MONTHS to get a breast pump. They require that it come from a DME. The one they gave me locally (the ONLY one) "doesn't do breast pumps." So I found a publication from BCBS here: http://www.mympcbenefits.com/Documents/MPC-Anthem-Where-to-Get-Breast-Pumps.pdf and attempted to order through edgepark, one of the companies listed. They took my information and said it will be processed but at the bottom, I noticed it says they aren't contracted for Alaska. Does that mean BCBS of Alaska, or Alaska in general? Kroger's BCBS is national, is it not? Since they have employees across the country?
Also, no, "Kroger's" BCBS isn't national. You live in Alaska; I live in Tennessee. You have BCBS of alaska; I have BCBS of Tennessee. 2 separate companies.
Just buy a breast pump. They run from $17 to $175. I think I used mine about 10 times. It wasn't anything fancy, just an inexpensive manual one. I think you need one if you want a break from the baby.
Wow. Nope. Formula has so many disadvantages. There's no way I'd switch... Not to mention... Formula is easily more expensive than a pump. If it came down to it, I'd have to buy a pump. I'd just rather get one for free from my insurance if possible!!! It is really sad that we live in a culture where "time to switch to formula" is the solution to everything.
I did figure it out though. BCBS is contracted with several DMEs but the problem is, they aren't contracted for breast pumps for Alaska members due to our plan being a traditional plan and NOT a PPO. They are writing me an "in for out of network referral" which allows me to buy the pump then be reimbursed full price, so long as I order the pump from a DME. Don't worry. I got it all in writing from them!
