Willow Breast Pump and Medicaid: What Every Mom Should Know

Every mom deserves a breast pump that fits her body, her schedule, and her life. For many, the Willow wearable breast pump feels like a dream come true, quiet, cordless, and completely hands-free. But if Medicaid covers you, you might be wondering: Does Medicaid cover the Willow breast pump?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no, because coverage depends on your state’s Medicaid program, your plan type, and the pump model you choose. In this guide, we’ll break down how Medicaid breast pump coverage works, what makes the Willow unique, and how to check whether your plan can help you get one (or cover part of the cost).

Before we dive in:

• Medicaid may cover the Willow breast pump fully or partially, depending on your state and individual plan.
• Coverage often includes standard electric pumps, with the option to upgrade to Willow for a small out-of-pocket cost.
• A prescription or proof of medical necessity is usually required for Medicaid approval.
• Always order through an approved supplier to ensure your pump is covered.
• Checking your eligibility early, ideally during your second or early third trimester, can help you avoid delays.

Understanding Medicaid and Breast Pump Coverage

Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides healthcare coverage for eligible individuals and families. Because each state manages its own Medicaid system, benefits, including breast pump coverage, can vary significantly.

In most states, Medicaid covers at least one standard electric or manual breast pump for new mothers. The coverage is often full, meaning you’ll owe nothing out of pocket. However, coverage for wearable or premium pumps (like the Willow) isn’t always guaranteed.

Medicaid programs aim to support breastfeeding and infant health by making breast pumps accessible through insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions. These provisions ensure that most plans provide lactation support and breast pump coverage to help new moms feed their babies safely and comfortably.

Here’s why:

• Medicaid aims to provide medical-necessity coverage, ensuring you have a way to express milk for your baby’s health.
• High-tech wearable pumps are often considered “upgrade pumps.” Medicaid may cover part of the cost, while you pay the difference.
• Certain state programs require a prescription or prior authorization from your doctor or lactation consultant before approving any breast pump.

So, while Medicaid will likely cover a breast pump for you, whether that’s the Willow depends on your plan’s details.

How Willow Breast Pumps Work With Insurance

The Willow breast pump stands out for its fully wearable, in-bra design. There are no external tubes, cords, or bottles to juggle, just two sleek pumps that fit inside your bra, making it ideal for moms who want privacy, mobility, and convenience.

According to the Willow Insurance Checker, the company accepts hundreds of insurance plans nationwide, including some Medicaid plans. However, eligibility depends on whether your specific Medicaid plan partners with Willow or with suppliers that carry it.

For many moms, Medicaid may cover:

• A standard electric breast pump in full, and
• Allow you to upgrade to a Willow model by paying the price difference out of pocket.

That’s why it’s important to check your coverage early, ideally before your due date, so you know which options you have and how to apply your benefits effectively.

How to Know If Your Medicaid Plan Covers the Willow Pump

Finding out whether Medicaid covers your Willow breast pump can feel confusing, especially when every state and plan seems to follow its own rules.  Still, you can have a chance to find out that some Medicaid programs do cover the Willow, either fully or partially, depending on how your plan classifies wearable pumps.

Key Factors That Determine Willow Coverage

Since Medicaid programs differ, here are the main factors that will determine whether your Willow pump is covered:

1. State Medicaid Policy: Each state decides what breast pumps qualify for coverage. Some limit benefits to “basic” electric or manual pumps.
2. Medical Necessity Requirements: A few states require your healthcare provider to confirm that pumping is medically necessary (e.g., premature infant, baby in NICU, return to work soon).
3. Upgrade Policy: The Willow Go or Willow 3.0 may be considered “premium” or “upgrade” devices, which Medicaid may partially cover.
4. Timing of Eligibility: Some states only approve pumps after the baby’s birth, while others allow prenatal ordering.
5. Prescription or Prior Authorization: Having a signed prescription from your OB-GYN or lactation consultant increases your approval chances.
6. Supplier Participation: Your order must go through an approved Medicaid supplier (like Aeroflow, 1 Natural Way, or Edgepark). Not all distributors carry Willow.

For example, some state Medicaid plans, such as those in New Jersey or Illinois, list Willow among covered options, but only when ordered through specific DME suppliers. Others may only cover traditional electric pumps like Spectra or Medela, not fully wearable models.

If your plan doesn’t cover the Willow as a standard benefit, don’t lose hope. Many moms still upgrade to Willow by paying only the remaining cost, and you can often use your HSA or FSA funds to help with that.

The most important thing to remember is that you do have options, and with the right information, you can find the balance between coverage, comfort, and convenience that works best for you.

Insurance Tip: Many moms can get a Willow breast pump at little to no cost through their insurance. Checking your coverage with a trusted provider like Insurance Covered Breast Pumps takes just a few minutes and helps you avoid unexpected costs.

Now that we’ve covered the key factors that determine whether your Willow pump is eligible for coverage, let’s walk through the practical steps to help you actually secure it.

Getting Your Willow Pump Covered by Medicaid: Step-by-Step Guide

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Understanding the process early can save you time, reduce stress, and ensure you receive your pump right when you need it most.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step way to check and confirm your coverage:

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Start by calling your Medicaid plan or visiting their website. Ask clearly:

“Does my plan cover the Willow breast pump, and if not, can I upgrade by paying the difference?”

Step 2: Choose an Approved Supplier

Use a trusted medical equipment supplier that works with both Medicaid and Willow. Many suppliers, like Insurance Covered Breast Pumps, let you verify eligibility online in just a few minutes.

Step 3: Get a Prescription

Ask your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant for a prescription. This can help speed up approval, especially if your plan requires documentation of “medical necessity.”

Step 4: Complete the Insurance Verification Form

You’ll usually fill out your insurance and personal details through the supplier’s portal. They’ll handle the verification directly with Medicaid to confirm your benefits.

Step 5: Decide on Standard vs. Upgrade

If your Medicaid plan only covers a standard pump (like Spectra or Lansinoh), you may still be able to upgrade to the Willow for a smaller, out-of-pocket cost.

Step 6: Confirm & Ship

Once your approval goes through, your supplier will ship your pump, often directly to your door, at no additional cost.

You might also want to read our guide on, Aetna Insurance Coverage for Willow Breast Pumps. 

What to Do If Medicaid Doesn’t Cover Willow

If your Medicaid plan doesn’t include Willow in its list of covered pumps, don’t be discouraged; you still have options.

• Use partial coverage: Medicaid can pay for the base cost of a standard pump, and you can pay the remainder to “upgrade” to Willow.
• Apply HSA or FSA funds: Many moms use flexible or health savings accounts to cover the remaining balance.
• Look for promotional discounts: Willow occasionally offers special pricing or bundle deals for insured moms.
• Contact WIC or local support programs: Some state programs assist breastfeeding moms with additional equipment or funding options.
• Consider a dual-pump setup: Use your fully covered standard pump at home and your Willow for work or travel.

Simple Tips to Manage Medicaid Coverage with Ease

Understanding insurance coverage can feel like one more thing on an already full plate, but a few small steps can make the process smoother and less stressful. Here are some mom-friendly tips to help you navigate Medicaid coverage for your Willow pump with confidence:

• Start early: Don’t wait until the last trimester; check your coverage in the second or early third trimester.
• Compare models: If Willow isn’t covered, ask your supplier which wearable pumps are included (like Elvie Stride or Zomee Z2).
• Keep documentation: Save copies of all authorizations, prescriptions, and receipts for Medicaid or FSA reimbursement.
• Ask about replacement parts: Some Medicaid plans cover tubing, flanges, or valves, but not accessories like bags or app upgrades.
• Reach out for help: Lactation consultants and pump suppliers often know the ins and outs of state Medicaid policies.

Final Words

Choosing the right breast pump can feel overwhelming, but rest assured, the Willow breast pump is thoughtfully designed to make your feeding journey more comfortable, flexible, and empowering.

What matters most is that you feel supported and confident as you balance motherhood, recovery, and daily life. Whether Medicaid covers your Willow in full or partially, there’s always a way to find the option that fits both your needs and your budget.

Check your eligibility with Insurance Covered Breast Pumps to see if your Willow pump can be provided at little to no cost through your insurance. It only takes a few minutes, and it could make all the difference in your breastfeeding experience.

FAQs

Q1: Does Medicaid cover the Willow breast pump completely?

Coverage varies by state and plan. Some Medicaid programs cover the Willow fully, while others may only cover part of the cost or offer standard electric pumps with the option to upgrade.

Q2: Can I upgrade to a Willow pump if my Medicaid plan only covers a basic pump?

Yes! In many cases, you can upgrade by paying the difference between the standard pump your plan covers and the Willow. Some moms also use FSA or HSA funds to help cover the remaining cost.

Q3: Do I need a prescription to get a Willow pump through Medicaid?

Most Medicaid plans require a prescription or proof of medical necessity. Getting this from your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant can make the process smoother.

Q4: When should I apply for a breast pump through Medicaid?

It’s best to start checking your eligibility in your second or early third trimester. This gives enough time for verification, approval, and shipping before your baby arrives.

Q5: Where can I check if my Medicaid plan covers the Willow pump?

You can confirm your eligibility through your Medicaid provider or by checking directly with Insurance Covered Breast Pumps. It only takes a few minutes to find out which pumps your plan includes.