Target Breast Pump Program Review

We learned that August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month as we were browsing the Target website and noticed their campaign about the Target Breast Pump Program! We’re not sure if this is something new or not with Target, but it is certainly new to us! Shortly after the arrival of our 4th son, the hospital staff informed us that our health insurance plan may cover a free breast pump (as part of the Affordable Care Act). So off we went to do some research by going on our health insurance plan’s website, only to be given a list of durable medical equipment / supply companies which did not carry any breast pumps. We gotta admit… we didn’t think it was worth the hassle.

Just when we were ready to settle on another breast pump purchase (our old Medela breast pump is still stuck in storage in another country), we stumbled upon the Target Breast Pump Program! We called the number on the website (at the time of this post, it’s 1-855-406-PUMP) and immediately, a representative took our call. We simply provided information about our baby’s birth, the OB’s name, and our basic insurance information. The call lasted approximately 5 minutes. Although the representative told us that we may not hear back from them via email until 24-48 hours later, we received an email from them on the same day.

We got a free breast pump!

The good news is, our health insurance plan covers a free breast pump! We were given 2 options, and a very basic Medela Pump In Style Advanced Dual Pump was one of them. We also had an upgrade option to a Medela Pump In Style Advanced Tote or Backpack or a Medela Freestyle Breast Pump (for a fee, ranging from $119 – $195).

NOTE:  Please keep in mind that what’s available to you via the Target Breast Pump Program is going to depend on your health insurance provider and plan, so it’s best to do your own research by calling the number above and / or contacting your health insurance provider directly.

Target Breast Pump Program: What We Like Best

Yup, we’re writing a quick review about the Target Breast Pump Program, and we’re not even getting compensated to do so 🙂 We hope you’ll find the information useful, and if you’re aware of any other similar breast pump programs, do share it with us in the comments!

• We feel that the Target Breast Pump Program process is very streamlined and efficient (this is especially helpful when you’re still trying to recover from delivering your baby and / or suffering from sleep deprivation)
• We experienced zero wait time upon calling the Target Breast Pump Program Customer Service Line: 1-855-406-PUMP (7867)
• The Target Breast Pump Program appears to be contracted out to McKesson Patient Care Solutions (as of the time of this post), and they will take care of contacting your health insurance provider for you (yay!)
• Our initial email response arrived on the same day, despite being told that it may take 24-48 hours
• The initial email response was clear and concise, with information about our breast pump insurance coverage options and what we will need to do next (which includes getting a prescription order from the OB for an electric breast pump)
• The program is set up to have you pick up your breast pump at a Target store nearest you (you’re also able to request to pick it up at a different location and assign someone else to pick it up on your behalf) or have one delivered straight to your home for free (takes approximately 10-15 business days, according to the representative)
• You will receive an email when your breast pump is ready for pick up

Buying A Breast Pump Directly From Target vs Using The Target Breast Pump Program

While you may save a decent amount of money by going through the Target Breast Pump Program vs purchasing a breast pump directly from Target at retail price, there are some differences (limitations?) that you should probably know:

• As of the time of this post, you can’t return the breast pump (acquired through the Target Breast Pump Program) to a Target store and will need to send the product back to the manufacturer if there’s something wrong with it (basically, you’re stuck with the model that you’ve chosen)
• The breast pump model that your health insurance provider covers may not necessarily be your preferred choice, so you may still end up paying some cash out of pocket for an upgraded breast pump that you may not end up liking (if you have the option to get a fully covered “free” breast pump, that may be your best best, unless you’re absolutely sure that you want / like the upgraded model)

A Huge Convenience

We’re just glad that Target is offering this service! After all, we like going to Target more than other competing stores. This is truly a huge convenience and blessing, especially for busy, exhausted, sleep deprived parents with a bunch of boys + a newborn 🙂

If you’ve used the Target Breast Pump Program to acquire your breast pump, feel free to share your thoughts with us! Did you have a similar experience?

Disclosure: As of the time of writing this post, AltamonteFamily.com is by no means affiliated with any of the companies or organizations mentioned in this article. AltamonteFamily.com has not been compensated in any way nor has AltamonteFamily.com been influenced to write about these products. This post is a result of the personal observations and independent research of members of AltamonteFamily.com. All opinions solely belong to AltamonteFamily.com.