MAMES Improves Medicaid Coverage for Breast Pumps, Lactation Services

DULUTH, Minnesota—The Midwest Association for Medical Equipment Services and Supplies (MAMES) has increased advocation for enhanced coverage of breast pumps and lactation services in Nebraska. Working closely with the Nebraska Medicaid director, the company said it aims to implement these effective, beneficial changes. Additionally, the new coverages seek to align with other Medicaid programs in the Midwest. 

“MAMES appreciates Nebraska Medicaid for the vast improvements they made to the breast pump policy by allowing coverage of electric personal-use breast pumps,” said Rose Schafhauser, executive director of MAMES. “This, along with their recent coverage related to lactation counseling, now provides better access to care for new and expectant mothers.” 

In previous years, MAMES has requested policy changes to the Medicaid manual, including proposed changes to the breast pump policy. A bill addressing these concerns was introduced and supported before Medicaid legislature. The company said that during a recent meeting with the state Medicaid director, multiple Medicaid representatives expressed their willingness to implement the changes, even if the legislation did not pass.