TRICARE covers breastfeeding supplies

Family physician Capt. Erica Conrad, with the 72nd Medical Operations Squadron, fills out a prescription for a patient for a breast pump. Tricare now covers the cost of breast pumps and breast pump supplies, after a birth event (birth or adoption). If one has already paid for a pump, a claim may be filed, along with a prescription from a Tricare-authorized provider along with an itemized receipt. (Air Force photo by Kelly White/Released)

After policy change, Tricare covers breastfeeding supplies

Published Aug. 14, 2015
By Kimberly Woodruff
Staff Writer

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Tricare is now supporting breastfeeding moms by covering the costs of breast pumps, pump supplies and breastfeeding counseling.

As a result of the Affordable Care Act, Tricare implemented a change to section 706 of the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act, and is retroactive to Dec. 19, 2014, the date the act was signed.

Karen Rein, health benefits adviser with the 72nd Medical Group, said Tricare made the coverage change because breastfeeding is considered preventative care for newborns. Pumps, supplies and counseling are also exempt from cost-shares and co-pays.

Tricare will cover one manual or standard electric pump for each birth event.

"I wouldn't recommend going out and purchasing the expensive model, but any standard electric or manual pump would work," said Ms. Rein.

She added that while there isn't a capped dollar amount, it could be easily amended if there was a need to do that.

Other covered items include pump supplies such as adapters, tubing, locking rings, bottles, bottle caps, shield protectors and storage bags. These items must be purchased from an authorized Tricare dealer.

Tricare authorization isn't required. All that is needed is a doctor's prescription and a detailed receipt for reimbursement.

"The process would be first to purchase upfront, then submit receipt for reimbursement," said Ms. Rein.

Send the doctor's prescription and receipts to Claims--South Region, P.O. Box 7031, Camden, SC 29020-7031. Ms. Rein reminds everyone to keep copies of everything they send.

Pumps and supplies can be purchased from civilian retail stores, pharmacies or AAFES.

More information can be found online at https://www.tricare.mil/coveredservices/isitcovered/breastpumpssupplies.aspx?p=1.