Anthem should rethink its breast pump reimbursement reduction

At what price our children’s future? That’s what some mothers and advocates of breastfeeding may be wondering after Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Connecticut announced it would be lowering reimbursement rates to health insurers for breast milk pumps.

It is obviously a move to save money, but also a move that is a bit puzzling.

There is no argument that right out of the womb, the nutrients and immunity protection that babies receive go a long way in determining their future health, both physically and mentally. And there is no disputing the scientific fact that the best milk for newborns is the milk that comes directly from his or her mother’s breast.

The reasons couldn’t be more clear: Breast milk contains all the vitamins and nutrients that babies need for their first six months of life and as an added bonus is packed with antibodies that will fight off diseases and protect babies from illness.

That is a whole lot of nourishment and protection packed in a mother’s breast and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports breastfeeding rates are going up.

About 81 percent of mothers across the nation now report breastfeeding at some point in their newborns’ lives. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding for six months and the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for two years.

That’s how important mothers, pediatricians and medical experts believe breast milk is to a newborn’s development.

So why is Anthem trying to shortchange motherhood and possibly circumvent the health of newborn babies?

Under the Affordable Care Act — better known as Obamacare — breast milk pumps and other breastfeeding supports have been a no-cost health benefit since the law was passed in 2010.

But as of April 1, Anthem will reduce its reimbursement rate for breast milk pumps by 44 percent, from $169.15 to $95, according to the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition.

That’s a hefty reduction. And mothers like Branford’s Akimi Nelken are concerned a cut in the rate will translate into some mothers receiving lower-quality equipment.

Sarah Yeager, an Anthem spokeswoman, said the reduction is in the negotiated rate Anthem pays medical equipment companies that supply the pumps — and the quality of pumps the insurer offers will not decline.

Maybe so, but given the penchant of health care providers to increase prices and slash crucial services for consumers, some mothers are worried how it will affect their children’s future.

In the business world where decisions like this are made across a boardroom table, what Anthem is doing may be reasonable and make sense. But to mothers sitting at home feeding their newborns, the decision carries the possibility their child may not be getting the nutrients he or she needs due to second-rate equipment.

Whatever Anthem’s reasoning — it is only the babies who will possibly pay the price.

So what price our children’s future?

That question is best answered by Anthem.