Heather Bingham, IBCLC

06/05/2024

If we do not fight these changes they will happen. We have nothing to lose by objecting and everything to gain if we are able to make a difference. Please sign the petition! 

06/05/2024

https://ugeorgia.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7O27c2NEtRWnevk

02/09/2022

https://www.steps2grow.com/blog/7-reasons-not-to-use-bassinets-like-this?fbclid=IwAR1sHLTp7ck2EBaQM8uG38KY6lopNAduWGvjaCprGNJIptqhSV_SFhKvkRg

Discussion of 7 concerns regarding popular mechanical bassinets and their impact on baby development

12/10/2021

November 22, 2021 — Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) appear to have systemic effects on the body like those of hormone replacement therapy, according to a breast MRI study being presented next week at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

03/11/2021

**Please feel free to pass this on to anyone who may find this helpful**

For those seeking help with breastfeeding, it may be good to know that the Affordable Care Act requires coverage for lactation services for the entire time you are breastfeeding, and that cost sharing is not allowed (they cannot apply copays or deductibles).

*This means that they cannot only cover in the hospital, or for a certain number of months.*

*This also means they can't cover only a certain percentage of the cost of lactation services, or require cost sharing in any way.*

It may also be good to know that if an insurer cannot provide a list of local providers, that they are required to allow you to go out of network, and that they must cover any qualified provider

This means they cannot require you to see an NP or MD for lactation. This also means that they can't force you to call around looking for providers who cover this service. They need to provide an actual list to prove they cover it. *

You should also know that since March 2020, and for the forseeable future (still in effect as of 3/2021), Insurers must cover telehealth at the same rate as they cover in-person visits.

*This means they have to cover your telehealth lactation visit as fully as they would cover in-person. *

There are some limitations insurers are allowed to require:
IF they have in-network IBCLCs, they can require you see them, rather than someone out of network.

They are allowed to put limits on the number of visits you have (most allow at least 3, and the majority allow 6 to unlimited)

They are allowed to make you get pre-approval (usually known as a Gap Waiver before seeing someone (but they can't make this take a long time, as your needs are likely urgent)

And sadly, Mass Health seems to be exempt from this rule.

If you are having difficulty finding coverage, and you feel your insurer is breaking the law, MA residents can report them here: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/filing-an-insurance-complaint (also, writing a letter to the insurer and CCing the MA insurance commissioner has been known to get fast results)

This is a bulletin from the state of MA that you might reference when making your case: https://www.mass.gov/doc/bulletin-2016-05-federal-requirement-that-carriers-cover-certain-lactation-services-without-any/download

Here is the federal document that clarifies the requirement to cover lactation: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/faqs/aca-part-xxix.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1e0nW3nolNbc-12X75vwjaswbqTcDp1CB8BhhuHUvAvnYmmYvmpOZrAYo

How to File A Complaint Against an Insurer or Agent

04/01/2020

03/19/2020

https://www.masslca.org/information-on-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR3NJrqWjdhnlqGn4gUalh-CHG_eI_1yu4PeXGwZ6CDWBTang7nxJrxJIkQ

03/16/2020

Covid-19 (Coronavirus) update:

Video (Telemedicine) Consults are now available and may be covered by insurance (please call your insurer to inquire).

**Please consider the choosing a telemedicine visit if at all possible. For those in towns touching Arlington, I may be able to loan a scale for the visit in order to allow weighted feeds.**

Here is my current information about insurance coverage for Telehealth as of 3/15:

Aetna: Full coverage as long as you have telemedicine benefit (call to confirm)

BCBS: Reimbursement as long as you have telemedicine benefit (call to confirm)

Allways: Reimbursement for both in-network and Out of Network for all providers during this crisis.

Tufts: Will reimburse if medically necessary and patient must have telemedicine benefit.

United Healthcare: Will reimburse if medically necessary and patient must have telemedicine benefit.

Harvard Pilgrim: Will reimburse as long as patient has benefit.

Unicare: Will cover in-network and out-of-network during crisis. Must have telemedicine benefit

I encourage you to check with your provider to verify this information.

I am in-network and can bill directly for Aetna and Unicare GIC. I will provide a superbill and have a biller who can submit for you for all others (at no extra charge)

I have temporarily disabled online booking to ensure that those with most urgent needs can be seen.

Please contact me directly by text at 781-632-7239, or by email heather@bostonlactation to discuss options for a visit.

12/28/2019

09/10/2019

Help make lactation support accessible to all in MA! https://www.change.org/p/ma-legislature-joint-comm-on-public-health-increase-access-to-lactation-care-license-ibclcs-in-ma

Increase Access to Lactation Care: License IBCLCs in MA

05/17/2019

The Breastfeeding and Caregiver Support Group on Fridays at the Boston Children's Museum is open to all: parents, grandparents, family, and nannies. After the group, stick around for exploratory learning for all ages: http://ow.ly/Ywp450u5yvm

02/26/2019

Breastfeeding and Diabetes by Theresa Moutafis | Feb 22, 2019 | Blog, Home | With the incidence of diabetes rising in this country and throughout the world (an estimated 33.9% of the US population (1)), it is inevitable that as lactation consultants we will encounter mothers with diabetes, prediabet...

12/18/2018

Insurance coverage for Lactation Counseling is required by law. If your insurer is not covering, you can report this to the state insurance commissioner...or join a class action suit. https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/insurance/868034-carefirst-pay-3-6m-settle-lactation-support-class-action/?fbclid=IwAR1P_5LpEk1Zoi6uP054KgfnQa9H_OqA8so4P2Hdlitp9vf6v0Cqs7Gz8xw

A $3.6M CareFirst class action settlement has been reached to resolve claims that the insurer violated the Affordable Care Act by denying lactation benefits

04/27/2018

Excited to be attending the Breast pump hackathon this weekend at MIT! https://www.makethebreastpumpnotsuck.com/participate/

Our team is thrilled to produce a weekend with the leading innovators in breastfeeding and postpartum health, along with many mamas, papas, babies, students, and newcomers. This time around we have a focus on equity and inclusive innovation in breastfeeding. We want to catalyze the development of te...