Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan: Cover Essential Lactation Care for Michigan Families!
The Issue
Professional lactation care plays a critical role in supporting new parents through feeding challenges, and has a significant impact on whether a parent is able to successfully meet their feeding goals. Research consistently demonstrates that support from International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) significantly improves breastfeeding outcomes, including higher rates of initiation and duration, especially for exclusive breastfeeding.
Unfortunately, the cost of such care can be prohibitive without adequate insurance coverage. Currently, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan does not cover lactation care services (S9443), leaving families to cover the cost of lactation care out of pocket, with many struggling to afford this essential support.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), passed in 2010, mandates that private health insurance plans cover lactation support, supplies, and counseling with no out-of-pocket costs, which includes providing a breast pump and support for the duration of breastfeeding. This is considered a preventive service, so plans must provide it without co-pays, deductibles, or co-insurance.
Breastfeeding improves infant health outcomes, lowers the risk of certain diseases for mothers, and reduces healthcare costs in the long term. For instance, a study by the National Institutes of Health found that increased breastfeeding rates could save an estimated $3.6 billion in annual healthcare system costs. Professional lactation support also benefits maternal mental health and reduces the risk of perinatal mood & anxiety disorders (PMADs).
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for approximately the first six months and continued breastfeeding alongside the introduction of complementary foods for at least 12 months. Despite its benefits, many families across Michigan face financial barriers to accessing essential lactation care services due to inadequate insurance coverage.
It’s time for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to demonstrate their commitment to improving the health of Michigan families by covering lactation care services. By providing comprehensive coverage for lactation consultants, they can ensure that new mothers have the support they need to successfully breastfeed their children, leading to healthier families and communities.
Join us in calling on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to make a change that will benefit countless Michigan families. Sign this petition to urge them to cover lactation care services and help create a healthier future for all.
Co-sponsors:
Jill Mailing, IBCLC
Leah Segura, IBCLC
Christina Johnson, IBCLC
A summary of the research affirming IBCLC care:
https://uslca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Efficacy_Recommendations_Evidence.pdf
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The Issue
Professional lactation care plays a critical role in supporting new parents through feeding challenges, and has a significant impact on whether a parent is able to successfully meet their feeding goals. Research consistently demonstrates that support from International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) significantly improves breastfeeding outcomes, including higher rates of initiation and duration, especially for exclusive breastfeeding.
Unfortunately, the cost of such care can be prohibitive without adequate insurance coverage. Currently, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan does not cover lactation care services (S9443), leaving families to cover the cost of lactation care out of pocket, with many struggling to afford this essential support.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), passed in 2010, mandates that private health insurance plans cover lactation support, supplies, and counseling with no out-of-pocket costs, which includes providing a breast pump and support for the duration of breastfeeding. This is considered a preventive service, so plans must provide it without co-pays, deductibles, or co-insurance.
Breastfeeding improves infant health outcomes, lowers the risk of certain diseases for mothers, and reduces healthcare costs in the long term. For instance, a study by the National Institutes of Health found that increased breastfeeding rates could save an estimated $3.6 billion in annual healthcare system costs. Professional lactation support also benefits maternal mental health and reduces the risk of perinatal mood & anxiety disorders (PMADs).
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for approximately the first six months and continued breastfeeding alongside the introduction of complementary foods for at least 12 months. Despite its benefits, many families across Michigan face financial barriers to accessing essential lactation care services due to inadequate insurance coverage.
It’s time for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to demonstrate their commitment to improving the health of Michigan families by covering lactation care services. By providing comprehensive coverage for lactation consultants, they can ensure that new mothers have the support they need to successfully breastfeed their children, leading to healthier families and communities.
Join us in calling on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to make a change that will benefit countless Michigan families. Sign this petition to urge them to cover lactation care services and help create a healthier future for all.
Co-sponsors:
Jill Mailing, IBCLC
Leah Segura, IBCLC
Christina Johnson, IBCLC
A summary of the research affirming IBCLC care:
https://uslca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Efficacy_Recommendations_Evidence.pdf
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Petition created on November 11, 2025