The healthy choice for your baby and you

We understand that deciding whether or not to breast feed is a very personal choice.  Here are
just a few research-based facts about the importance of breast milk that may help you to make
an informed choice:

Best for baby:

• Breastfeeding helps the baby’s immune system mature, protecting the baby in the meantime from infections and increases the effectiveness of immunizations. 
• Breastfeeding offers babies greater emotional security and enhances bonding with the mother.
• The benefits of breastfeeding appear to last even after the baby has been weaned.

Best for you:

• Breastfeeding increases the rate of weight loss in most nursing mothers.
• Breastfeeding women report benefits such as increased self-confidence and a stronger sense of connection with their babies.
• Breastfeeding combined with expressing milk using a breast pump costs far less than formula.

Good news for breastfeeding women

If you decide to breast feed your new baby, and want to buy a breast pump and supplies, you can purchase directly from the Aetna participating breast pump suppliers below. 

If your plan covers in network women’s preventive services at no cost share, you can get a breast pump from the suppliers below at no out-of-pocket cost. You will not pay any co-pay, coinsurance or deductible.

Even if your plan does not cover women’s preventive services with no cost share, you can still get a breast pump from the suppliers listed below at an Aetna discounted rate. 

The Women’s Preventive Health Breast Feeding Benefit includes:

• a standard electric pump (non-hospital-grade) within 60 days of birth, once every three years, or
• a manual breast pump within 12 months of birth, if you have not received an electric or a manual breast pump in the last three years, and 
• another set of breast pump supplies if you get pregnant again before you are eligible for a new pump.

Plans with the women’s preventive services benefit also cover up to six visits with a lactation consultant if you need support with breast feeding. Your in-network ob/gyn or pediatrician may offer these services through their office. You may also check our online provider directory on Aetna Navigator^®. Or call the Member Services number on your Aetna ID card to find a lactation consultant in our network.

Some plans are not subject to the women’s preventive  breastfeeding services requirements under the Affordable Care Act (also known as the health care reform law).  This includes plans that are grandfathered or otherwise exempt.  These plans may not include all of these benefits.  Or there may be different member cost-sharing on certain benefits.  Consult your plan documents or call member services at the number on your member ID card if you are not sure if your plan covers these benefits. The changes for women’s preventive services go into effect when applicable plans become effective or renew on or after August 1, 2012. Employers with grandfathered plans may choose not to cover some of these preventive services or to include cost share (deductible, copay or coinsurance).

¹Manual breast pumps and breast pump supplies are also available.

Health benefits and health insurance plans are offered, underwritten and/or administered by Aetna Health Inc., Aetna Health of California Inc., Aetna Health Insurance Company of New York, Aetna Health Insurance Company and/or Aetna Life Insurance Company (Aetna).  In Florida, by Aetna Health Inc. and/or Aetna Life Insurance Company.  In Maryland, by Aetna Health Inc., 151 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06156.  Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

For general health information only. Information is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional.  Health benefits and health insurance plans contain exclusions and limitations. Not all services are covered. See plan documents for a complete description of benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Aetna does not provide care or guarantee access to health services.  Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Aetna plans, refer to www.aetna.com