My Maternity Benefits

Maternity services include all medical care related to pregnancy and childbirth. Members do not need a referral to receive maternity care from obstetricians, gynecologists, or certified nurse midwives. Out-of-pocket costs will vary depending on your plan. 

Review your Benefit Description for more details.

Resources and Information for New Parents

Childbirth Classes

Members can receive reimbursements when they take advantage of childbirth education courses. Reimbursement includes up to $90 for one childbirth class for a covered expectant mother and up to $45 for each refresher childbirth class.  

Get reimbursed by following these steps:

1.  Complete the Childbirth Class Reimbursement Form 
2.  Include the name and address of the childbirth class 
3.  Enclose photocopies of your receipts 
4.  Sign and date the completed form
5.  Mail form to: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Local Claims Department PO Box 986030 Boston, MA 02298

You will not be reimbursed if you do not complete the course, except when your delivery occurs before the course ends.

Breast Pumps

Breast pumps are covered under the durable medical equipment benefit. 

• Coverage includes rental or purchase of one manual or one electric breast pump. The pump must be purchased from a durable medical equipment supplier in the network.
• One pump per birth including multiple births (for example we will cover the purchase of one pump for a member who had twins).
• Hospital grade breast pumps are covered for up to a three-month rental.

Effective January 1, 2023, members will be eligible for breast pump replacement parts. Replacement parts are limited to two units per code every six months EXCEPT for the breast milk storage bags (K1005) which are allowed 120 bags per month. Members can obtain the storage bags (K1005) on the same day as the breast pump and do not have to wait 90 days after receiving the breast pump. Breastfeeding equipment and supplies include, but are not limited to:

• Double electric breast pumps  (including pump parts and maintenance)
• Breast milk storage supplies
• Tubing for breast pump, replacement
• Adapter for breast pump, replacement
• Cap for breast pump bottle, replacement
• Breast shield and splash protector for use with a breast pump, replacement
• Polycarbonate bottle for use with a breast pump, replacement
• Locking ring for breast pump, replacement
• Breastfeeding equipment and supplies as clinically indicated to support babies with breastfeeding difficulties and those who need additional services.

Supplies must be purchased from a contracted Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider.

Members will receive the replacement parts from a contracted Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider. If the member purchases the breast pump from a non-participating durable medical equipment /appliance company, they will not receive reimbursement because our subscriber certificates indicate that it must be purchased from an “appliance company or from a provider who is designated by Blue Cross."

Nursing bras are not covered.

You can order a breast pump from a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts medical supplier by visiting the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts website - select "DME - Breast Pump" as the specialty to search, or directly from one of the following manufacturers:

• Ameda (877) 791-0064
• Medela (800) 866-2825

To order a breast pump, you will need a prescription (doctor’s order) with the following information:

• The due date or birth date of your baby
• The diagnosis code
• Your clinician's NPI#, name, address, and telephone number—this information would typically be listed on any prescription

Easily compare pump features to find the one that’s right for you. 

Lactation Consults

Lactation counseling is covered at no cost when performed by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or an IBLCE (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners) licensed lactation counselor.

• At this time, there is no network of participating licensed lactation counselors. Most members will be asked to pay out-of-pocket and file for reimbursement for services. If you pay out-of-pocket, you need to submit a subscriber claim form and receipt to be reimbursed. 

BCBSMA has partnered with select providers in Massachusetts to submit claims directly to insurance on behalf of our members.

• Access a list of providers providing lactation services
• IBLCE certified lactation counselors who have not partnered with BCBSMA, or any other BCBS Plan, will ask for payment upfront. For these providers, members will need to submit a subscriber claim form and receipt to be reimbursed in full.
• Find additional IBLCE providers in your area:
  • International Lactation Consultant Association
  • United States Lactation Consultant Association

Adding a Dependent Child to your HUGHP Plan

If you are having a baby or adopting a child, be sure to add them to your health plan within 30-days of the date of birth or adoption/placement.

Contact the Harvard Benefits Office at (617) 496-4001 to learn more about adding a dependent child to your plan coverage.

Selecting a Pediatrician 

For in-network care, members must select a pediatrician at an Atrius Health medical group location or Mount Auburn Pediatrics. 

POS and POS Plus members can select a pediatrician that is not in the HUGHP network—however, their out-of-pocket costs will be higher. 

Find a pediatrician. 

Maternity Guidelines
 

Learn more about maternity care