What Aeroflow does and how it differs from buying a pump directly
Aeroflow Breastpumps is a company that helps you order a breast pump through your insurance rather than paying out of pocket. You answer questions about your insurance on their website, they check your coverage, and if your plan covers a pump, they handle the paperwork with your insurer and ship the pump to you at no cost. You do not buy from Aeroflow directly — they act as the middleman between you and your insurance company.
The main difference from ordering a pump yourself is that Aeroflow uses your insurance benefit instead of your money. Most health insurance plans cover one breast pump per pregnancy under the Affordable Care Act, but the process of claiming that benefit is often unclear. Aeroflow's role is to make that process simpler by doing the insurance verification and paperwork on your behalf.
Aeroflow does not manufacture pumps. They partner with pump makers like Spectra, Medela, Philips, and others. Which pumps are available to you depends on what your specific insurance plan covers — different insurers have different agreements with different manufacturers.
Key Takeaways
- Aeroflow checks your insurance coverage for a breast pump at no cost to you, and if your plan covers one, they coordinate with your insurer to send it to you.
- You must have active health insurance and be pregnant or within a certain timeframe after birth, depending on your plan, to use Aeroflow's service.
- The pump you receive depends on what your specific insurance plan has negotiated with manufacturers — Aeroflow cannot override your plan's coverage limits.
- If your insurance does not cover a pump through Aeroflow, you can still purchase one directly from retailers, though you will pay the full price yourself.
- Aeroflow's service is free because they are paid by insurance companies and manufacturers, not by you.
How to check your coverage and place an order
Start by going to Aeroflow's website and entering your insurance information. You will need your insurance member ID, group number, and date of birth. Aeroflow then contacts your insurance company to verify whether your plan covers a breast pump and which pumps are available under your coverage.
This verification step usually takes one to three business days. Aeroflow will contact you by phone or email with the results. If your plan covers a pump, they will tell you which models are available and ask you to choose one. You then provide your shipping address and any other information your insurance company requires.
Once you have selected a pump, Aeroflow submits the paperwork to your insurance company. Your insurer either approves it directly or may ask for additional information, such as a prescription from your doctor. After approval, Aeroflow ships the pump to you. The entire process from verification to delivery typically takes two to four weeks, though this varies by insurance company.
What your insurance plan actually covers
The Affordable Care Act requires most health insurance plans to cover one breast pump per pregnancy without a copay or deductible. However, "coverage" does not mean you get to choose any pump on the market. Your specific plan has contracts with certain manufacturers, and you can only receive a pump from those manufacturers.
Some plans cover only manual pumps, some cover electric pumps, and some cover both. Some plans cover hospital-grade rentals instead of a personal pump. The dollar amount your plan will pay also varies — some plans cover pumps up to $300, others up to $500 or more. If you want a pump that costs more than your plan covers, you would need to pay the difference yourself.
Plans also differ on timing. Some cover a pump during pregnancy, some only after birth, and some have a window of 12 months postpartum. You need to know your plan's specific rules before ordering. Aeroflow's verification process will tell you what your plan covers, but you can also call your insurance company directly to ask.
When Aeroflow cannot help you get a pump
If your insurance does not cover a breast pump, Aeroflow cannot override that decision. Some plans — particularly older plans, some short-term plans, and some plans from smaller insurers — do not include pump coverage. In those cases, Aeroflow will tell you that your plan does not cover a pump, and you would need to purchase one on your own.
You also cannot use Aeroflow if you do not have health insurance. Aeroflow's entire service depends on verifying and using an insurance benefit. If you are uninsured, you would need to buy a pump directly from a retailer.
If you are on Medicaid, coverage varies by state. Some state Medicaid programs cover breast pumps, and Aeroflow works with some of them. Others do not, or they require you to rent a hospital-grade pump instead. Aeroflow's verification will tell you whether your state's Medicaid covers a pump through their service.
Pump options available through Aeroflow
Aeroflow partners with several major pump manufacturers, including Spectra, Medela, Philips, Evenflo, and others. The specific pumps available to you depend on your insurance plan's contracts. Common pumps offered include the Spectra S1 and S2, the Medela Pump in Style, and the Philips Avent Comfort. Hospital-grade rentals like the Medela Symphony are also sometimes available.
You cannot choose a pump that is not on your plan's approved list. If you want a specific pump that your plan does not cover, you would need to purchase it separately. Aeroflow will show you all available options for your plan during the ordering process, so you can see what you can choose from before committing.
What happens after your pump arrives
Once Aeroflow ships your pump to you, the responsibility for that pump transfers to you. Aeroflow does not provide ongoing support for the pump itself — that comes from the manufacturer. If you have questions about how to use the pump, how to clean it, or if something is not working, you contact the pump manufacturer's customer service, not Aeroflow.
Your insurance coverage typically includes the pump itself and often includes replacement parts like valves, membranes, and tubing for a certain period — usually 12 months from delivery. If you need replacement parts, check your insurance paperwork or contact the manufacturer to see what is covered and how to order them.
If you have problems with Aeroflow's service — for example, if your pump never arrives or if there was an error in the order — you can contact Aeroflow's customer service. They can help troubleshoot shipping issues or work with your insurance company if there was a coverage problem.
Aeroflow versus buying a pump on your own
If you use Aeroflow and your insurance covers a pump, you pay nothing. If you buy a pump directly from a retailer, you pay the full retail price, which typically ranges from $150 to $500 depending on the model. This is the main financial difference.
The trade-off is choice and speed. When you buy directly, you can choose any pump available on the market and receive it as quickly as the retailer ships. With Aeroflow, you are limited to pumps your insurance covers, and the process takes longer because of insurance verification and approval.
Some people use both approaches: they use Aeroflow to get a free pump covered by insurance, and they purchase a second pump out of pocket if they want a different model or a backup. This is a common strategy for people who want options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription from my doctor to use Aeroflow?
Not always. Some insurance plans require a prescription, and some do not. Aeroflow will tell you during the verification process whether your plan needs one. If it does, Aeroflow can usually help you get a prescription from your doctor, or you can obtain one yourself and provide it to Aeroflow.
Can I use Aeroflow if I am not pregnant yet but planning to be?
Aeroflow requires you to be pregnant or within a certain timeframe after birth. Most plans do not cover a pump until you are pregnant. Check with Aeroflow during verification — they will tell you whether your plan covers a pump now or only after you become pregnant.
What if my insurance says it covers a pump but Aeroflow says it does not?
This can happen if your plan covers a pump through a different vendor or process. Call your insurance company directly and ask which vendors they work with for breast pump coverage. You may need to order through a different company, or your plan may have specific requirements Aeroflow cannot meet.
Can I return or exchange the pump if I do not like it?
Return and exchange policies depend on your insurance plan and the manufacturer. Some plans allow one exchange if the pump does not work for you. Contact Aeroflow or the pump manufacturer to ask about the return policy for your specific situation.
How long does it take to receive my pump after I order?
The typical timeframe is two to four weeks from the time you place your order, but this varies depending on how quickly your insurance company approves the claim and how quickly the manufacturer ships. Aeroflow will give you a more specific estimate once your order is submitted.