Lactation Support for Families with Medicaid
We have a long way to go before lactation support is accessible to everyone, especially the over 26% of the U.S. population covered through Medicaid. For these families, competent care is often difficult to find and families are left using Internet advice to troubleshoot feeding challenges. Until we see changes at the legislative level, families with Medicaid need to know what options are available and how to access them. Here are a few options for lactation support if covered through Medicaid.
Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) - If you are pregnant, postpartum (up to 1 year if breastfeeding), and/or have children under 5 and on Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you are also eligible for WIC. Many WIC offices provide breastfeeding classes and 1-1 support with peer educators, Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs), or IBCLCs at no cost.
IBCLC at Pediatrician/Family Physician - In most states, Medicaid does not contract directly with IBCLCs, but some IBCLCs work in a physician’s office using “incident-to” billing and will be covered by your insurance if your physician accepts Medicaid.
La Leache League/Support Groups - La Leche League (LLL) is a well known breastfeeding support group with chapters meeting all over the world, both virtually and in person. Some LLL leaders are also IBCLCs. Support groups provide general breastfeeding education but do not provide clinical care.
Sliding Scale Support - While most private practice IBCLCs are not able to accept Medicaid, many offer sliding scale services based on financial need.
At Bridges Lactation, we care about access to lactation support regardless of income and offer 50% off self pay services in office/telehealth if clients are eligible for Medicaid, SNAP, or WIC. We are also actively advocating to expand access to lactation coverage with Maryland Medicaid. Please reach out if you need support!