UnitedHealthcare's new lactation billing policy cuts consultant pay in half

UnitedHealthcare, the largest insurance provider in the U.S., is changing how it pays for lactation services. From 1 September, it will reimburse providers only once per visit, treating mother and baby as a single patient. The move has sparked concern among lactation consultants who fear their earnings will drop sharply. Currently, lactation consultants can bill UnitedHealthcare twice per visit—once for the mother and once for the infant. This allows them to earn around $250 per session. Under the new policy, their reimbursements will be roughly halved, making it harder to sustain a living wage.

The change follows a trend among insurers to restrict billing for lactation services. Other providers have already adopted similar policies, treating mother and baby as one patient. UnitedHealthcare has stated it will work with consultants during the transition.

The Affordable Care Act required insurers to cover breastfeeding support at no cost to families in 2010. Breastmilk is widely recognised as the best nutrition for infants, offering protection against short- and long-term illnesses. Consultants argue the policy is short-sighted, given these proven health benefits. The new billing rule takes effect on 1 September. Lactation consultants will receive significantly less per visit, which may affect access to breastfeeding support. The change could impact millions of families covered by UnitedHealthcare.