My newborn picture, John Quincy’s, and Johns. I definitely think he takes after his father.
Thanks Obamacare!
So starting in 2013, any new mama can get a ‘free’ breast pump from their insurance company thanks to Obamacare. yippee. Here’s another lesson in unintended consequences for ya…
First, the rationale for the free pumps: Good breastpumps run at least $200 so this seemed like a great way to encourage women to breastfeed their children. Once you get pas that initial cost, breastfeeding is way cheaper. Considering that a year’s worth of formula can easily run you $1,000, helping poor women breastfeed is a great way to help ease their economic burden as well as to help them grow healthy munchkins thus cutting healthcare costs for the taxpayer.
Now the rub: I researched my options and selected a Medela breast pump from the choices my insurance company gave me. Well due to Obamacare, it’s backordered until kingdom come and I was forced to rent a pump from my pediatricians office because the first six weeks are crucial for establishing milk supply. Keep in mind not everyone can afford to rent the pump. I had to front the cost with the hope of my insurance company reimbursing me (it is not clear yet if they will). NOW I found out from a nurse at Virginia Hospital Center that these ‘free’ pumps suck at sucking! Basically the companies are getting a flat Obamacare mandated fee from the insurance companies so they created cheaper knockoffs of their consumer marketed pumps.
Yet another lovely example of a government mandate creating a shortage of crappy products.
