Insurance Update/ Blue Cross Blue Shield Coverage
Lactation Care is Healthcare.
You may have heard the news this week that those who were covered through The Lactation Network (TLN) will no longer be approving lactation coverage if you have Anthem BCBS starting July 14, 2025. This change comes as TLN was unable to become in-network with Anthem and Anthem is increasingly denying out-of-network claims for lactation.
Anthem is the largest insurer in the state of KY and this is a huge blow to be able to provide quality lactation care to you. Frankly, we are devastated by this news. This also comes just 2 months after they put the visit limit caps on your visit options and now this.
If you want a video version of these changes check out my video here on my Instagram page.
This change affects not only my practice, but also private practice IBCLCs across the US who partner with TLN.
Whether you are still breastfeeding or not, this impacts us all on such a deep level. Maternal health is constantly devalued and dismissed.
This is part of a greater problem with Anthem and many other insurance companies who are not following the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandate to cover lactation support. According to Anthem, you do have lactation coverage. The problem with that statement is that they won't credential IBCLCs in the state of Kentucky so I cannot get in-network with them for you to use those benefits. They do not view us as a qualified healthcare providers…even though we are the healthcare providers with THE MOST education in human lactation! It is ludicrous.
Here is where you come in! We need Anthem policyholders to make some NOISE. I have provided a script below that you can use to copy and paste to email and/or social media. Your voice can make a difference here! It has worked in a few other states where they do credential IBCLCs.
Email addresses and websites I found online that you can use:
Customer.Care@anthem.com
media@elevancehealth.com
publicpolicy@elevancehealth.com
Or email through their secure portal:
🔗 anthem.com → log in → message center
https://www.anthem.com/ky/contact-us
EMAIL/CALL SCRIPT FOR INSURANCE ADVOCACY
Subject: Request for IBCLC Coverage and Credentialing for Lactation Support
Dear Anthem BCBS Representative,
I am writing as a policyholder and as a parent seeking appropriate, evidence-based care during the postpartum period. I am deeply concerned that Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, does not currently recognize or credential International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), nor adequately cover visits for lactation support in my state.
IBCLCs are the gold standard in breastfeeding and lactation care. They are internationally credentialed, clinically trained providers who support optimal infant feeding outcomes and maternal mental health. Lack of access to this care creates preventable barriers to breastfeeding success—despite the fact that federal law under the ACA requires coverage of breastfeeding support without cost sharing.
The benefits of breastfeeding are well-established and include:
Lowered risk of infections, chronic illness, and SIDS in infants
Reduced maternal risk of cancer, diabetes, and postpartum depression
Significant cost savings to families, insurance companies, and our healthcare system
When IBCLCs are not credentialed or reimbursed, families are forced to either pay out-of-pocket or forgo essential care entirely—an issue that especially harms lower-income and marginalized families.
I am urging Anthem to:
Credential IBCLCs in Kentucky and across the U.S. as recognized providers.
Cover lactation support services provided by IBCLCs at parity with other maternal health care providers.
Comply with the Affordable Care Act’s mandate to provide breastfeeding support and counseling at no cost to families.
As a paying customer, I expect my insurance to cover care that is evidence-based, preventative, and essential and required by law. Please escalate this concern to the appropriate leadership. I’d also appreciate a written response regarding your plan to address this gap in maternal-infant care.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name, Policyholder ID (if desired), Contact Info]
Social Media tags you can use: #bonnieknowsbreast #ibclc #lactationsupport #breastfeeding #lactation #newborn #newmom #newparent #insurance #insurancecoverage #anthem #anthembcbs #bcbs #elevancehealth #supportfamilies #insuranceclaims #credentialing #supportnewmoms #insurancedenied #insurancebenefits #aca
