07/12/2025
📣 Important Update for BCBS Patients – Please Read
We’re sharing a post below from a trusted partner in another state that outlines a recent and important change related to BCBS insurance coverage.
As many of you know, we’ve been billing BCBS patients through The Lactation Network (TLN). TLN has always operated out-of-network with BCBS. Their goal was eventually transitioning to in-network status. Unfortunately, due to ongoing systemic issues (some of which are discussed in the shared post and others that are broader than just one state), TLN will no longer accept new BCBS patients starting Monday, July 14th. Until July 14th, new patients can still check for coverage with TLN via our website at https://go.lactationnetwork.com/AllyLactation
This means Ally Lactation will also no longer be able to accept new BCBS patients after that date. Current BCBS patients who are already established with us are not affected and can continue receiving care as outlined by their TLN portal. Again, until July 14th, new patients can still check for coverage with TLN via our website at https://go.lactationnetwork.com/AllyLactation
We are actively exploring credentialing options with BCBS here in Oklahoma. While the state has recently updated some policies, we have not yet seen any successful credentialing outcomes for IBCLCs under the new guidelines. Because of this, we will temporarily shift to private pay for new BCBS patients while we continue to seek solutions.
We are deeply sorry for the disruption and truly appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this evolving landscape. Please know we are advocating behind the scenes and exploring every available avenue to ensure access to care.
💛 Thank you for trusting Ally Lactation.
— Sarah & the Ally Lactation Team
allylactation.com
Anthem and BCBS patients from the past, present, and future:
We need your help with something incredibly important.
Did you know that your policy is supposed to cover lactation 100% as a preventative service, but lactation consultants can’t currently directly contract with Anthem/BCBS in Indiana? In addition, our options for billing out of network have essentially vanished so families are stuck paying out of pocket and hoping for reimbursement.
IBCLCs hold the highest credential in lactation and invest hundreds of dollars and hours to maintain it, but we’re currently not considered qualified healthcare providers. If you want to see an MD or NP who has zero lactation specific education, they’ll cover that. But not us. We’re asking you, their paying members, for help with changing this.
What you can do: write a letter to the company detailing how important lactation support is or has been to you, and how you would benefit from a model that allows IBCLCs to contract at a fair market wage. Send it to lauryn@hoosierbreastfriend.com (PDF is preferred) and we will provide it to Anthem as a collection with letters from providers.
* This is an urgent request as anthem board members will meet Friday 7/12 to discuss the possibility opening the network to IBCLCs. If you are able to write a letter and send it by 7/11, we can have it sent ahead of the meeting.
