New TennCare benefits aim to make breastfeeding easier

TennCare has added more benefits for postpartum members: breastfeeding supports.

Over the past few years, the Medicaid program has offered more coverage to parents after they give birth. Traditionally, pregnant members lost their coverage 60 days after delivery. That has been extended to one year after delivery, in part to curtail the state’s high maternal mortality rates.

This summer, TennCare started covering equipment and counseling for members who want to breastfeed their babies.

There are a lot of benefits to breastfeeding: It’s more nutritious than formula; it enhances the baby’s immune system; and it can be cheaper. The thing is — breastfeeding can be incredibly difficult.

The new TennCare benefits aim to make it easier. The program now covers breast pumps and lactation consultant services.

One barrier to breastfeeding can be logistics. Babies get hungry, even when their parents are at work. Pumps make sure they can have continuous access to food.

Other barriers are more complicated: nipple pain, low milk supply, difficulty getting the baby to feed. That’s where lactation consultants come in. The benefit allows members to meet with a consultant in the weeks before or immediately after delivery for help navigating these kinds of problems.

The counseling can take several forms. It can be one-on-one or in small groups; in person or virtual.

The benefits went into effect in June.