Important Insurance Update: Changes with The Lactation Network & BCBS Insurance Coverage

May 9

For many families, The Lactation Network has made it possible to receive 100% insurance-covered lactation support—from those very first breastfeeding moments to weaning. But as with all things related to insurance, change is inevitable.

Since founding Shine Lactation + Postpartum Support, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with The Lactation Network to make care more accessible. In these two years, I’ve watched insurance relationships shift. Some companies join the network, others exit. For example, Cigna was once part of The Lactation Network. When that relationship ended, I began working with Wildflower to continue serving families with Cigna insurance.

This week, The Lactation Network announced a significant change that affects many families—the end of coverage for Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Anthem, and related plans. Unfortunately, here in Kansas, the impact is greater than in some other states. Based on current information, most BCBS health plans will no longer be covered through The Lactation Network as of May 1st.

We have been granted a grace period: visits may still be covered if they occur before May 16.

What You Need to Know:

If you’re currently approved through The Lactation Network and have BCBS or Anthem coverage, you should have received an email about this change. If not, I recommend reaching out to TLN directly to verify your coverage: care@tln.care.
If you’d like to schedule a visit before May 16, please reach out ASAP. My calendar is filling quickly.
After May 16, I offer Baby Bundles—discounted private-pay packages of lactation visits and more. These are ideal for families without coverage through The Lactation Network or Wildflower.
I also offer individual visit pricing, and every private-pay family receives a superbill to submit to their insurance for possible reimbursement.

While it’s disappointing when coverage changes, it also opens the door for innovation and growth. At Shine Lactation + Postpartum Support, our mission remains unchanged: to make breastfeeding and newborn support as accessible as possible. Thank you for trusting us during this sacred and vulnerable season of bringing a new baby into your life.

Warmly,

Stephanie Kaufman

Founder, Shine Lactation + Postpartum Support