Your insurance policy may cover Elvie Pump in part. We work with DME suppliers who cooperate with a variety of insurance companies to make Elvie Pump available through their plans.
Is Elvie or willow covered by insurance?
Willow and Elvie are both hands-free, wireless breast pumps that can be worn. They both fit discreetly in your bra and save you time by allowing you to pump whenever and wherever you choose. However, there are minor variations between the two pumps. The following are the most noteworthy distinctions:
- Willow has the option of using 4 oz. milk bags or 4 oz. collection containers, whereas Elvie uses 5 oz. collection containers.
- The Elvie is slightly smaller than the Willow and weighs around 5 ounces less.
- When using the spill-proof bags, the Willow Generation 3 has only two (2) parts to assemble and clean (versus five in Elvie).
- The Willow pump motor has a one-year warranty from the date of purchase, whereas the Elvie pump motor has a two-year warranty. Both pumps have a 90-day warranty on parts and accessories.
How do you get discounted Elvie pumps?
How to Get an Elvie or Willow Pump at a Discount
- Examine your insurance coverage. Some insurance policies, at least in part, cover the Elvie Pump or Willow Pump.
Is Elvie pump considered hospital grade?
Short answer: With Harry, I tried both the Willow and Elvie Breast Pumps, and while I think both are fantastic pumps, I have to say that I utilized my Willow pump a lot more. I found it easier to use, although that could be because I was already familiar with it from Millie’s use?
Long answer: They’re really similar, and I honestly believe you can’t go wrong with either. I thought the Elvie was a little less comfy, but it was definitely quieter! It was also a little easier to put together than the Willow if you didn’t know how to put the Willow together. That said, I had been using the Willow with Millie for 8 months and could assemble the Willow and pump bag in my sleep by the time I compared the two!
Neil decided to assist me in putting the Elvie together solely for this reason! He did it a lot more than you might think. “Could you please grab my pump, Neil? I have a call in 10 minutes, and the baby will need to be fed while I’m on the phone!” alternatively “Can you please rush and install my pump while I shower for the first time in two days?” “Babe, I have an appointment in 10 minutes; could you please hurry and build my pump while I shower for the first time in two days?”
The Elvie Pump was also a more appealing option at first since it allowed you to catch the milk in dishwasher-safe bottles rather than the made-for-Willow bags that were the sole option when the Willow was originally introduced. However, the Willow now offers the exact same concept in a bottle attachment! As a result, they’re strikingly identical.
Is the Willow or Elvie Pump worth it?
It all depends on why you want this pump in the first place. Do you have a job? Do you travel frequently or spend a lot of time away from your child? Even though I work from home, I found a wearable pump to be quite useful when I needed to be completely focused on a meeting rather than being distracted by attempting to feed my kid. I could pump rapidly for 10 minutes before a meeting, then hand the milk over to another caregiver in our house (Neil or our nanny) who could feed baby a bottle while I was completely focused on my virtual meeting.
I also used my wearable pump when I traveled away from home, and as I previously mentioned, I took it with me to work conferences when Millie was 6-8 months old if I needed to pump to maintain my supply while I was away from her, and it was far easier to pack and carry-on than a larger, bulkier pump.
Our desire of attending on weekly temple dates became much more attainable thanks to this pump. I’d pump shortly before we drove to the temple, in the car, and then, if it was a longer session, I’d pump on the way home as well! There are certainly less expensive ways to pump in a car to and from our temple (like as this handheld pump! ), but I’m just pointing out that this was one of the reasons I was so grateful to have my Willow and used it so frequently.
Does the Elvie Pump or Willow Pump actually work?
YES! Both of these pumps performed admirably for me. My Willow pump produced bags and bags of frozen milk, and my Elvie pump performed admirably as well.
I also have to give the Willow Support team a shout-out. I was frustrated the first time or two I tried to figure out how to use my Willow Pump with Millie. I scheduled a free consultation with one of their excellent educators, and she showed me through exactly how to use it on my body with my nursing bra (the #1 suggested in this post!) after ensuring I was comfortable with it. After only one video conversation, I went from being completely unsure about how to use mine to being completely confident.
Can the bags be reused? Frozen?
WILLOW: If you’re concerned about the special bags, you can now purchase reusable milk containers that can be emptied directly into a storage bag or a bottle. Personally, I preferred the Willow bags! However, because the bags aren’t resealable, this helps save costs and waste while also addressing the issue of having to utilize exactly the amount in the bag.
ELVIE: Because this pump uses dishwasher-safe bottles, that part can be reused! However, you’ll need to store or freeze milk in a separate bag. These are my personal favorites.
Is it silent?
WILLOW: It’s not completely silent, but it’s a lot quieter than my other favorite regular pump (and the MANY other standard pumps I’ve used over the years). When I’m in a room with other people, they’ll stroll up to me and have an entire discussion with me, completely oblivious to the fact that I’m pumping.
ELVIE: The Elvie is without a doubt the quietest pump I have ever used. It was almost absolutely silent.
Is it hospital grade?
WILLOW: Although this pump isn’t advertised as “hospital grade,” according to their website, “Willow offers seven degrees of suction in Expression phase that are similar to most typical double electric and hospital-grade pumps.” The suction range of Willow is comparable to that of other pumps.” It was just as powerful and effective as my hospital-grade marketed pumps, in my opinion!
ELVIE: The Elvie Pump does not claim to be “hospital grade,” but it does offer seven distinct degrees of pumping, just like the Willow. This pump also seemed to work equally as well as my other hospital-grade pumps!
How much milk can you pump?
WILLOW: Up to 4 oz. of milk can be stored in the Willow pump storage bags and reusable Milk Container.
ELVIE: The Elvie pump bottles carry 5 oz. of milk, and when the bottle is full, it will automatically pause.
How long does the battery last?
WILLOW: It takes roughly two hours to completely charge the Willow Pump. If you’re in a hurry, a 20-minute charge can get you through around one pumping session. A fully charged battery will last approximately two hours and fifteen minutes.
ELVIE: It takes roughly two hours for the Elvie Pump to reach full charge. Depending on the intensity setting, a fully charged battery will last roughly two and a half hours.
Is it covered by insurance?
WILLOW: It will vary depending on the situation. Each insurance company has its own policy on breast pump reimbursement, so after you have your pump, check with your plan administrator to see what you are eligible for.
ELVIE: This will vary depending on your insurance plan, but the Elvie Pump may be partially covered. If you’re looking for a plan that includes the Elvie Pump, Elvie works with Durable Medical Equipment (DME) suppliers who link with a variety of insurance companies. Whether you’re interested, you can check their websites to see if you’re eligible for the Elvie Pump through your insurance provider or you can contact them directly for information that’s relevant to you.
Can you get a wearable breast pump through insurance?
The Elvie Breast Pump is the first quiet wearable breast pump that slips into your nursing bra, allowing you to use it discreetly and conveniently throughout the day.
Most health insurance policies are required by the Affordable Care Act to cover breastfeeding services and supplies. That means you can use your insurance funds toward a better breast pump, such as the Elvie Pump. Plus, you won’t have to deal with your insurance company; we’ll take care of everything. Everything about ordering is simple, and you get a fantastic product for you and your baby in the end. Have you taken use of your insurance benefit? Elvie is available for purchase here.
Can I get two breast pumps through insurance?
For each pregnancy, most insurance plans will cover a new double electric breast pump, allowing you to nurse with the most up-to-date technology. Insurers, on the other hand, are unlikely to fund a second breast pump if they have previously paid for one.
Is Elvie Stride a hospital grade?
The Elvie Stride is a hospital-grade pump that is free with some insurance companies (check your eligibility here) and may be purchased or reimbursed with both FSA and HSA funds. It has suction cups that can be tucked into any bra, as well as an external pump motor (which I clip to my clothes if I’m moving around, otherwise it just sits next to me). The pump is powered by a rechargeable battery that lasts for around five 30-minute pumping sessions and takes about two hours to charge. It also includes 24 mm flanges (other sizes available for an additional cost). The mugs can be washed in the dishwasher.
Which is better willow or Elvie?
When comparing the Willow to the Elvie in terms of function, features, and price, the Willow comes out on top. The main difference between the Elvie and the Willow is that the Willow claims to be able to pump while laying down, which is a major plus. While you can move around while pumping with the Elvie (I bent over to do laundry and pick up my baby, for example), the Willow claims to be able to pump while laying down.
How do I know if my insurance covers a breast pump?
Look up the details of your policy to see if your breast pump is covered by your insurance company. Check first if you have online access to your plan information or a brochure detailing coverage. These specifics should clarify whether or not breast pumps are covered by your policy.
Call Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company if you can’t discover plan specifics or want to double-check coverage. They can answer any questions you have about breast pump coverage, the breast pumps you’re eligible for, and when you can expect to receive your pump.
Willow Tip: Do you already own a breast pump? Depending on your plan, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Mama, save those receipts (and stay reading for more advice)!
Do I Need a Prescription to Get a Breast Pump Through Insurance?
You may need a prescription from your doctor or confirmation that you’re receiving maternity care, depending on your insurance provider.
The physician’s national provider identifier (NPI) number and a diagnosis code are usually required by insurance companies (for pregnancy). For more information, consult your doctor or midwife.
Do I need two Elvie pumps?
A single Elvie pump costs $279, and two Elvie pumps cost $499. It can be purchased using funds from an FSA or HSA, and some insurance policies will cover it partially, however you should verify with your insurer.
If you’re pumping at work on a regular basis or solely, you’ll probably need two. You’ll have to double the length of your session if you don’t, and you’ll lose some milk from the side you’re not pumping on. If you’re only pumping at home on occasion, one may be sufficient. A infant can only nurse one side at a time, without a doubt.
The Elvie, like its major competitor, the Willow ($499 for a pair), and other wireless breast pumps, is marketed as a more convenient, comfortable, and discrete alternative to traditional mechanical breast pumps. The housing, flanges, and milk receptacle are all combined into a single egg-like structure that fits over the breast and is held in place by a standard nursing bra. It requires less undressing, is notably quieter than prior pumps, and lacks wires, allowing for more freedom of movement when pumping.
I had decent experiences using the Elvie consistently for the few weeks I was commuting to my office until coronavirus lockdowns prompted full-time working from home. Each workday had a comparable output, and it was virtually identical to the amounts I’d pumped with my first child a few years before. While I wasn’t able to do a direct comparison between a Medela and an Elvie this time, the pumping sessions produced similar outcomes.
For some women, a pump like this is a feat of ingenuity and a game-changer in their professional careers. Nursing moms who are unable to take breaks, such as those who work in a hospital, may find that they are able to continue feeding their babies breast milk despite their work schedules. A pump that doesn’t need to be plugged in while in use and can be worn under clothes is a huge advance for breastfeeding or chestfeeding parents who travel for business.
Everyone else gets a boost in convenience at the expense of comfort.