A major step forward for breastfeeding support and access to care in New Jersey
Access to lactation support is an critical part of maternal health, infant health, and helping families meet their infant feeding goals. Access to lactation support is not always easy, especially if in-network lactation support is not available or if existing insurance coverage is low or inconsistent. To address coverage gaps, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey recently announced that lactation consultants and lactation counselors can join its provider network and bill for in-network services. This is an important step toward expanding access to these services and reducing barriers to lactation care across the state.
Central Jersey Family Health Consortium (CJFHC) is proud to have been part of the partnership and collaboration behind this achievement. CJFHC’s New Jersey Breastfeeding Strategic Plan / New Jersey State Breastfeeding Coordinator Ellen Maughan and New Jersey Breastfeeding Strategic Plan / New Jersey State Breastfeeding Associate Videsha Joshi joined key contributors Kathryn McLaughlin, IBCLC, and Mary Lou Moramarco, IBCLC, from the New Jersey Breastfeeding Coalition (NJBC) Advocacy Committee, and the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance leadership to make this change happen.
Expanding on accessible care for families and support for providers are key points of the NJ Breastfeeding Strategic Plan, and its NJ Supports Breastfeeding campaign. Through the NJ Supports Breastfeeding website, families can find tailored resources for breastfeeding support and county-by-county directories lactation professionals. Providers can also use the site for resources to promote breastfeeding and human milk feeding, address barriers to support, and create environments where families can access the care and information they need.
Continuing the Work Together
While this announcement represents meaningful progress, collaboration and advocacy will continue to ensure that families can access timely, affordable, and culturally responsive lactation support and that lactation support providers can receive fair reimbursement for their services.
Central Jersey Family Health Consortium thanks the partners whose efforts helped make this advancement possible and remains committed to working alongside organizations and professionals across New Jersey to improve breastfeeding support and promote healthier futures for families.
Learn more about statewide breastfeeding initiatives outlined in the NJ Breastfeeding Strategic Plan, and find support and resources for professionals and families at njsupportsbreastfeeding.org.
