Some exciting news has emerged recently for breastfeeding mothers. Under the new health care reform bill, a provision was created that mandates insurance coverage for breastfeeding support! The Whitehouse launched a new website (which you can find at www.healthcare.gov) to explain the changes in the new health care reform bill. The website includes a time-line outlining the dates by which each new mandate is due to go into effect. I found the mandate for breastfeeding support located under the category for Preventative Health. It took some digging on my part, as it was buried under the women's health section. However, it is there and due to become effective as of October of this year!
The bill does not define exactly what services will be covered, so I called ILCA (the International Lactation Consultant Association) to find out the details. I was told that they are currently working on the specifics. Apparently, ILCA has a policy committee that is headed-up by Marsha Walker and they are working in conjunction with the Feds to create the guidelines for this new bill. So, we should have more details as to what will be eligible for reimbursement soon. As more details emerge, I will share them with you here.
The medical community has been recommending breastfeeding as the best source of nutrition for babies for years. However, these words of encouragement have often been just that....words. Without a foundation to support it, the best of intentions often falter. I cannot tell you how many mothers have complained to me about the lack of breastfeeding support during their hospital stay, inconsistent and conflicting information they received from well-meaning medical staff, and instructions that have under-minded or derailed breastfeeding efforts all together.
This new legislature may not necessarily "fix" the system, but it certainly affirms the value of breastfeeding for newborns. Let's face it, in our culture money talks. When insurance companies reimburse for a service, it legitimizes that service through it's financial support. Take a look at what insurance reimbursement has done for the chiropractic profession, for example. Chiropractors are now able to provide their services to a much greater portion of the population with respected authority as a result of their reimbursement status.
The most important factor here is that, more mothers will have access to the help they need to make breastfeeding a successful experience. Although a large number of women initiate breastfeeding after the birth of their baby, the attrition rate is extremely high during those first two to three weeks after delivery. Without the support they need, many women just quit. Although LeLeche League and peer support groups have helped numerous women work through breastfeeding problems, out-patient professional support has primarily been accessible to only those who could afford to pay for it out-of-pocket, with rare exceptions. I am delighted to report that the day is arriving soon when breastfeeding support will be accessible to every mother who wants or needs it irregardless of socio-economic status!
