Free Breast Pumps and Maternity Support for Single Mothers in Rhode Island
Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Benefits for Single Mothers in Rhode Island [2025 Ultimate Guide]
Last updated: September 2025
Quick Help Box
- WIC information line: 401-222-5960 (Rhode Island Department of Health). (kids.ri.gov)
- DHS (Medicaid/RIte Care) Call Center: 1-855-697-4347 (application help and case status). (eohhs.ri.gov)
- HealthSource RI (Marketplace coverage): 1-855-840-4774 (enrollment and plan help). (healthsourceri.com)
- TDI/TCI paid leave (pregnancy and bonding): 401-462-8420 (Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training). (dlt.ri.gov)
- Hospital lactation warm lines: Kent 401-736-1988 • Landmark 401-769-4100 x2218 • Newport 401-845-1110 • South County 401-788-1226 • Women & Infants 1-800-711-7011. (health.ri.gov)
Sources for contacts above: Rhode Island Department of Health, EOHHS/Department of Human Services, HealthSource RI, RI Department of Labor & Training. (health.ri.gov, eohhs.ri.gov, healthsourceri.com, dlt.ri.gov)
Emergency Support (Read First)
- Call 911 if you or your baby is in danger or having a medical emergency.
- Need same-day breastfeeding help after discharge: call your hospital’s lactation warm line (numbers in the Quick Help Box). These are staffed by hospital clinicians and can advise on pain, latch, engorgement, pump setup, and when to be seen urgently. (health.ri.gov)
- Need short-term home support: ask for a free Family Visiting referral through the Rhode Island Department of Health and request breastfeeding help at home or virtually. Call 401-222-5960 and ask for Family Visiting. (health.ri.gov)
What This Guide Covers (and What Others Often Miss)
Goal: reliable, step‑by‑step help for Rhode Island single moms to get a free breast pump and the maternity benefits that actually pay your bills and protect your job.
- What you’ll find here: the exact phone numbers, deadlines, income limits, pump policies, coverage rules, and timelines for Rhode Island programs, plus real‑world steps and backup plans if something stalls.
- What’s usually missing online: RI‑specific income thresholds for pregnancy Medicaid, current TDI/TCI weekly benefit limits and weeks, hospital warm‑line numbers, Neighborhood Health Plan’s DME codes (E0602/E0603/E0604) and which require prior authorization, and WIC clinic phone numbers you can call today. Those gaps are filled below with official sources. (eohhs.ri.gov, dlt.ri.gov, nhpri.org, datahealth.ri.gov)
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Program | Who it helps | What you get | Start here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breast pump through your health plan | Anyone with non‑grandfathered plan (Medicaid, Marketplace, employer) | A covered breast pump and lactation support at no cost | Call your plan’s member line (Medicaid plans and BCBSRI contacts below) and ask how to order your pump; many ship within 7–14 days. (healthcare.gov, hrsa.gov) |
| RIte Care (Medicaid) | Pregnant Rhode Islanders up to 253% FPL | Full prenatal, delivery, postpartum care; covered pump via plan; 12 months postpartum coverage | Apply online/phone at DHS/HealthSource RI; call 1-855-697-4347 for help. (eohhs.ri.gov, medicaid.gov) |
| WIC | Pregnant/postpartum people and children <5 under WIC income limits | Food benefits, breastfeeding counseling, and pumps (as medically appropriate) | Call RIDOH WIC 401-222-5960 or your nearest clinic (see numbers below). (health.ri.gov) |
| TDI/TCI paid leave | Working Rhode Islanders who paid into TDI | Pregnancy medical leave (TDI) and bonding leave (TCI) with weekly payments up to $1,103 (higher with dependents) in 2025; up to 7 weeks of TCI | File online; call 401-462-8420 for help; apply for TCI within 30 days of leave start. (dlt.ri.gov) |
| Workplace pumping rights | Most employees in RI | Reasonable break time and a private, non‑bathroom space to pump for 1 year after birth | Share your request in writing; if issues, contact DOL Wage & Hour or RI DLT Labor Standards 401-462-8550. (dol.gov, dlt.ri.gov) |
Free Breast Pump Through Your Health Plan (Fastest Route)
Bottom line: under federal preventive services rules, your health plan must cover breastfeeding support and supplies—including a breast pump—without cost‑sharing. Plans set details like manual vs. electric, purchase vs. rental, and timing (before or after birth). Your doctor’s prescription can determine what’s medically appropriate. (healthcare.gov)
How to get your pump quickly
- Step 1 — Call your plan’s member services: give your due date, provider’s name, and ask which DME suppliers you can use and whether you may order at 28–36 weeks or after delivery.
- Step 2 — Ask what’s covered: manual vs. double‑electric, purchase vs. rental, and if a prescription is required; confirm whether the plan follows HRSA’s guidance that prioritizes access to double‑electric pumps when appropriate. (hrsa.gov)
- Step 3 — Order through an in‑network DME: your plan will name approved suppliers. Shipment is typically 7–14 days from order; hospital‑grade rentals may need prior authorization.
- Step 4 — Keep paperwork: save your approval email, prescription, and tracking info in case of appeals.
Rhode Island plan contacts and policies (what to ask)
| Plan | Member phone | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Neighborhood Health Plan of RI (Medicaid) | 1-800-459-6019 | DME guide shows pumps and supplies: E0602 (manual) Covered; E0603 (electric) Covered; E0604 (hospital grade) Covered with prior authorization; milk storage bags A4287 Covered up to 120/month. Ask your DME to handle the authorization. (eohhs.ri.gov, nhpri.org) |
| UnitedHealthcare Community Plan (Medicaid) | 1-800-587-5187 | Plan materials say members can get supplies including breast pumps and lactation support; confirm which pump models/vendors are in‑network for RI Medicaid. (uhc.com) |
| Tufts Health Plan (RI Medicaid) | 1-866-738-4116 | Call to confirm your Tufts Medicaid plan’s pump vendors and if a prescription is needed. (RI EOHHS lists Tufts as a participating Medicaid MCO.) (eohhs.ri.gov) |
| Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI (commercial/Marketplace/employer) | 401-459-5000 | BCBSRI covers hospital‑grade pump rentals when medically necessary; a licensed provider’s order is required for the initial 60 days and each 60‑day renewal (code E0604RR). Manual and non‑hospital grade electric pumps are covered under preventive services. (bcbsri.com) |
Common snags (and fixes)
- “We only cover a manual pump”: remind your plan that HRSA’s women’s preventive services guidance prioritizes access to double‑electric pumps when clinically appropriate and says access should not depend on failing a manual first. Ask your clinician to note why an electric is needed (returning to work, supply building, NICU separation). (hrsa.gov)
- Hospital‑grade rental denied: Neighborhood’s DME grid shows E0604 is covered with prior authorization; ask the DME to submit a medical necessity note (examples: NICU separation, infant oral anomalies, low supply despite electric). For BCBSRI, a licensed provider’s order is required and renewed every 60 days. (nhpri.org, bcbsri.com)
- Out‑of‑network supplier: use the plan’s approved vendors; buying retail can lead to out‑of‑pocket costs with no reimbursement unless your plan approves ahead of time. (healthcare.gov)
- What to do if this doesn’t work: escalate to your plan’s appeals team in writing, ask your clinician to add medical necessity details, and request help from your plan’s case manager. If you’re on Medicaid, call your MCO’s member services above; if you’re on a Marketplace plan, call HealthSource RI 1-855-840-4774 to discuss options or switch plans during an eligible window. (healthsourceri.com)
If You Don’t Have Coverage Yet: RIte Care (Medicaid) and HealthSource RI
RIte Care (Medicaid) for pregnant Rhode Islanders
- Eligibility: pregnant individuals with household income up to 253% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) qualify for RIte Care managed care coverage. That includes prenatal, delivery, postpartum care, lactation support, and a covered breast pump through your MCO. (eohhs.ri.gov)
- How to apply: apply online/phone/in person; for help call DHS at 1-855-697-4347. You can also apply through HealthSource RI. (eohhs.ri.gov)
- Postpartum: Rhode Island provides 12 months of continuous postpartum coverage (Medicaid/CHIP) after the pregnancy ends. (medicaid.gov)
2025 income guide for pregnancy Medicaid (253% FPL)
Based on the 2025 FPL table published by EOHHS; amounts are approximate to the nearest dollar. Always verify the most current limits. (eohhs.ri.gov)
| Household size used for eligibility | 2025 annual income at 253% FPL | 2025 monthly income at 253% FPL |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $39,595 | $3,299 |
| 2 | $53,510 | $4,459 |
| 3 | $67,425 | $5,619 |
| 4 | $81,340 | $6,778 |
| 5 | $95,255 | $7,939 |
Note: for Medicaid financial eligibility, a pregnant person is usually counted as two people (you + the baby). Example: if you are pregnant and living alone, you’re typically evaluated as a household of two. Confirm how your case is counted during application. (eohhs.ri.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: if your income is slightly too high for Medicaid, see HealthSource RI options below, including a special enrollment path for households up to 150% FPL. (healthsourceri.com)
HealthSource RI (Marketplace) if you’re over-income for Medicaid
- Special Enrollment (through 12/31/2025): if your household income is at or below 150% FPL, you can enroll through a standing Special Enrollment Period even without another qualifying event. You may also qualify for upfront premium and cost‑sharing help. Call 1-855-840-4774 or use live chat. (healthsourceri.com)
- Pregnancy and life changes: report pregnancy and birth right away; you may switch programs (to Medicaid) or plans. HealthSource RI explains how to report changes so you don’t miss new savings. (healthsourceri.com)
- What to do if this doesn’t work: get a free appointment with a Navigator (multilingual) through 211 or HealthSource RI’s appointment tool, and ask the plan to confirm pump coverage before you enroll. (healthsourceri.com)
Rhode Island WIC: Breastfeeding Support, Food Benefits, and Pumps
Why WIC matters: WIC provides breastfeeding counseling, peer support, food benefits, referrals, and pumps when clinically indicated (for example, returning to work/school, supply issues, or medical need). Apply early. (health.ri.gov)
WIC income guidelines (Effective May 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)
| Family size | Annual | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 | $557 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 | $753 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 | $949 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,957 | $1,144 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,805 | $1,340 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6,653 | $1,536 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $7,501 | $1,731 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,349 | $1,927 |
Note: pregnancy increases family size by one (twins increase by two). (health.ri.gov)
How to apply today
- Call your nearest clinic: Providence (Women & Infants Outpatient Nutrition) 401-274-1122 ext. 42768; Warwick (West Bay Community Action) 401-732-4660; Newport (EBCAP) 401-619-5970; Woonsocket (Thundermist) 401-767-4109; Hopkinton/Westerly (Wood River Health) 401-387-9638 / 401-387-9611. (datahealth.ri.gov)
- Or call the RIDOH Health Information Line: 401-222-5960 and ask for WIC. (kids.ri.gov)
- Bring: ID, proof of Rhode Island address, proof of income (or Medicaid/SNAP card), and your due date note or baby’s birth record.
- Pump access through WIC: after assessment by WIC staff, you may be issued a manual or electric pump, or get a hospital‑grade rental when medically necessary. (Final pump type is based on your situation and WIC policy.) (health.ri.gov)
- What to do if this doesn’t work: if a clinic is full or a site has closed, RIDOH will transfer your case and extend benefits; call 401-222-5960 for help moving to another site. (ri.gov)
Paid Leave While You’re Pregnant and After Birth: TDI and TCI
Rhode Island’s TDI program pays weekly benefits when you can’t work due to pregnancy and recovery. TCI pays while you bond with your newborn.
What you can get in 2025
- Weekly payment formula: 4.62% of wages in your highest quarter, with a minimum 139∗∗and∗∗maximum139** and **maximum 1,103 per week for benefit years starting July 1, 2025 or later. A dependency allowance may add at least $20 per dependent (up to 5 dependents, or 7% of your benefit rate, whichever is higher). (dlt.ri.gov)
- Pregnancy medical leave (TDI): up to 30 weeks maximum if medically certified (you can use only what you need). (dlt.ri.gov)
- Bonding leave (TCI): up to 7 weeks in your benefit year (first 12 months after birth), which reduces your available TDI weeks. Apply within 30 days of starting leave. (dlt.ri.gov)
- Call center: 401-462-8420 (TDI/TCI) for claim help. (dlt.ri.gov)
How to file (and when)
- Start TDI: file as soon as your clinician says you’re unable to work for at least 7 consecutive days (many OBs certify 2–4 weeks before delivery plus 6–8 weeks postpartum depending on delivery). Upload the medical form promptly.
- Switch to TCI: once your OB clears you from TDI, file TCI for bonding within 30 days of your first day out for bonding (you can take it all at once or in blocks as allowed). (dlt.ri.gov)
- Timeline reality check: initial payments commonly arrive 2–3 weeks after a complete application; delays happen if forms are incomplete or employer wage data is missing.
- What to do if this doesn’t work: call 401-462-8420, ask what’s missing, and request supervisor review. If you need job protection for time off, coordinate with your employer under the federal FMLA (see below) at the same time you file for TDI/TCI. (dlt.ri.gov)
Your Right to Pump at Work (Federal + Rhode Island)
- Federal (PUMP Act): most employees have the right to reasonable break time to pump and a private space (not a bathroom) for 1 year after birth. Time must be free from work or paid if you’re working during the break. Teleworkers are covered. (dol.gov)
- Rhode Island law: employers must make a reasonable effort to provide a private, secure, sanitary space near your work area (not a toilet stall) and may provide unpaid break time unless it causes undue hardship. Bring the statute to HR if needed. (webserver.rilin.state.ri.us)
- If your employer refuses: document your request, include dates/times and proposed solutions; contact RI DLT Labor Standards 401-462-8550 or the U.S. DOL Wage & Hour Division for help. (dlt.ri.gov)
- What to do if this doesn’t work: you can file a complaint with the U.S. DOL; remedies can include lost wages and damages for violations after April 28, 2023. (dol.gov)
Job‑Protected Time Off (Unpaid) You Can Stack With TDI/TCI
- Federal FMLA: if you’re eligible, you can take up to 12 workweeks of job‑protected leave in a 12‑month period for pregnancy, recovery, and baby bonding. Health insurance continues during FMLA. This can run at the same time as your paid TDI/TCI. (Eligibility: your employer is covered and you’ve worked 1,250 hours in the last 12 months at a site with 50+ employees within 75 miles.) (dol.gov)
- Tip: ask HR how they count the FMLA “12‑month period” (calendar, fixed year, rolling, or forward). It affects how much time you have. (dol.gov)
- What to do if this doesn’t work: if leave is denied or not properly designated, you can file with U.S. DOL Wage & Hour; employers must post FMLA notices and follow strict rules. (dol.gov)
Hospital & Community Lactation Support (Low‑ or No‑Cost)
- Hospital warm lines (phone help after you go home): Kent 401-736-1988 • Landmark 401-769-4100 x2218 • Newport 401-845-1110 • South County 401-788-1226 • Women & Infants 1-800-711-7011. Ask about in‑person or tele‑lactation visits and pump troubleshooting. (health.ri.gov)
- Family Visiting/First Connections: free home‑based or virtual visits statewide; they can help with breastfeeding, supplies, pump setup, safe sleep, and referrals. Call 401-222-5960 or contact service partners: Children’s Friend 401-276-4300; Community Care Alliance 401-235-7000; Family Service of RI 401-331-1350; Visiting Nurse Home & Hospice 401-682-2100 (East Bay). (health.ri.gov)
- WIC clinics: local offices across RI (Providence, Warwick, East Bay, Woonsocket, Westerly, etc.) provide breastfeeding counseling and can arrange pumps when appropriate—see phone numbers above and on the RIDOH site. (datahealth.ri.gov)
- What to do if this doesn’t work: if a line is busy or your clinic is full, call the RIDOH Health Information Line 401-222-5960 and ask for a transfer or telehealth appointment. (ri.gov)
Table: Who Covers Which Pump and What You Need
| Coverage | Manual pump (E0602) | Double‑electric (E0603) | Hospital‑grade rental (E0604) | Supplies (A4281–A4287) | What they usually need |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neighborhood Health Plan of RI (Medicaid) | Covered | Covered | Covered with prior authorization | Covered (e.g., milk bags up to 120/month) | Doctor’s order; DME vendor submits PA for hospital‑grade. (nhpri.org) |
| BCBSRI (Commercial/Marketplace/Employer) | Preventive | Preventive | Rental covered; provider order required every 60 days | Covered per policy | Licensed provider’s order; use in‑network DME. (bcbsri.com) |
| UHC Community Plan (Medicaid) | Confirm with plan | Typically covered | Case‑by‑case/medical necessity | Covered | Call Member Services; DME coordinates. (uhc.com) |
Timeline: When to Do What (Simple Planner)
| Date / pregnancy stage | Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| As soon as you confirm pregnancy | Start RIte Care application if your income may fit (see table above), and call WIC to book an intake. | Early enrollment avoids gaps and sets up referrals. (eohhs.ri.gov, health.ri.gov) |
| 20–28 weeks | Ask your plan for in‑network DME suppliers; ask your OB for a pump prescription specifying “double‑electric” if needed. | Some plans ship only within set windows; having a prescription ready saves days. (healthcare.gov) |
| 28–36 weeks | Place your DME order; confirm shipping and what’s included (flanges, tubing, bottles, storage bags). | Typical delivery 7–14 days. (healthcare.gov) |
| Delivery week | If medically complicated or separated from baby, ask for a hospital‑grade rental order before discharge. | Hospital‑grade rentals may need prior authorization (Medicaid) or provider order (BCBSRI). (nhpri.org, bcbsri.com) |
| Weeks 0–2 postpartum | File TDI (if not already) and set up lactation follow‑ups (hospital warm line or Family Visiting). | Payment timing depends on complete forms; early lactation help prevents supply issues. (dlt.ri.gov, health.ri.gov) |
| By 30 days after starting bonding leave | File TCI for bonding. | TCI requires application within 30 days of first day out. (dlt.ri.gov) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ordering from a retailer without plan approval: many plans won’t reimburse retail purchases. Always use in‑network DME first. (healthcare.gov)
- Missing the TCI deadline: file within 30 days of your first bonding day or you can lose weeks of paid leave. (dlt.ri.gov)
- Not asking for an electric pump: if you’re returning to work or pumping multiple times daily, a double‑electric may be medically appropriate; your clinician’s note helps. (hrsa.gov)
- Assuming WIC will auto‑issue an electric pump: WIC determines pump type based on your situation; explain work/school schedule and any supply or latch challenges. (health.ri.gov)
- Waiting to call for help: hospital warm lines and Family Visiting can solve problems quickly; don’t wait until you’re engorged or in pain. (health.ri.gov)
If You Hit a Wall (Practical Plan B’s)
- Pump denial: ask your clinician to write a medical necessity note and have your DME submit prior authorization (e.g., E0604 hospital‑grade at Neighborhood requires PA). Escalate to your plan’s member services. (nhpri.org)
- Coverage gap: apply for RIte Care or enroll via HealthSource RI’s ≤150% FPL Special Enrollment; Navigators can help for free. (healthsourceri.com)
- Workplace won’t provide space/time: send a written request referring to the PUMP Act and RI statute; if no fix, contact U.S. DOL or RI DLT Labor Standards 401-462-8550. (dol.gov, webserver.rilin.state.ri.us, dlt.ri.gov)
- Pay not arriving: call TDI/TCI 401-462-8420 and confirm whether medical certification or wage records are missing; ask about dependent allowance if you have children under 18. (dlt.ri.gov)
Documents You’ll Usually Need (Application Checklist)
- Government photo ID.
- Proof of Rhode Island address: lease, utility bill, or mail.
- Income proof: recent pay stubs or benefits letter (or Medicaid/SNAP case number for WIC adjunct income eligibility).
- Pregnancy/delivery documents: due date note or delivery record; for TDI, the DLT medical certification form; for pump orders, a prescription with due date and pump type.
- Insurance card: for DME orders and lactation visits.
- Bank info: to set up direct deposit for TDI/TCI.
Diverse Communities (Targeted Tips and Doors to Knock)
- LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask for a Safe‑Zone clinician and lactation support through your health plan. Rhode Island Medicaid and Marketplace plans must cover lactation care regardless of family structure; Family Visiting also offers interpreter services and inclusive support. Action: during enrollment, request a lactation‑friendly primary care or OB in your MCO network and ask about virtual lactation visits if travel is hard. (health.ri.gov)
- Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Use your plan’s case management early. If pumping is needed due to infant medical issues or separation (e.g., NICU), ask for a hospital‑grade pump with medical necessity documentation. Action: call your MCO (numbers above) and request case management plus durable medical equipment support. (nhpri.org)
- Veteran single mothers: Coordinate VA and Medicaid/Marketplace benefits. VA care does not replace lactation benefits on your plan; you can still get a pump through your primary coverage and lactation visits through your hospital. Action: call your plan and confirm DME vendors that ship to your address; ask your OB to include “double‑electric pump recommended” on the prescription if needed. (hrsa.gov)
- Immigrant/refugee single moms: You may qualify for Medicaid during pregnancy based on income and status, or WIC regardless of immigration status for your U.S.-born child. Action: call DHS 1-855-697-4347 for Medicaid help and RIDOH 401-222-5960 for WIC; request an interpreter. (eohhs.ri.gov, health.ri.gov)
- Tribal citizens: Ask for care coordination. If you receive services through Indian Health or local clinics, you can still get pumps and lactation support via your health plan. Action: contact your plan and ask for DME vendor options and lactation referrals close to home. (healthcare.gov)
- Rural South County and Aquidneck Island: Use hospital warm lines plus Family Visiting for in‑home help; South County Hospital and Newport Hospital offer direct phone lactation support, and First Connections covers your area. Action: call South County 401-788-1226 or Newport 401-845-1110, and ask Family Visiting for a home visit. (health.ri.gov)
- Single fathers caring for newborns: TCI bonding applies to you, too. If you’ve paid into TDI and meet requirements, you can receive up to 7 weeks of TCI to bond with a new child. Action: apply within 30 days of first bonding day; ask your employer about FMLA if eligible. (dlt.ri.gov, dol.gov)
- Language access: RIDOH Family Visiting and WIC offer interpreter services; HealthSource RI Navigators are multilingual. Action: when you call, say your preferred language first. (health.ri.gov, healthsourceri.com)
Local Resource Finder (By Region)
| Region | Key contacts (non‑exhaustive) |
|---|---|
| Providence/Pawtucket/Central Falls | WIC (various Children’s Friend sites) 401-752-7827 / 401-721-6416; Women & Infants lactation warm line 1-800-711-7011; Family Visiting partner: Family Service of RI 401-331-1350. (datahealth.ri.gov, health.ri.gov) |
| Kent & Cranston/Warwick/West Warwick | West Bay Community Action WIC 401-732-4660 / 401-826-3230; Kent Hospital warm line 401-736-1988; Family Visiting partner: Family Service of RI 401-331-1350. (datahealth.ri.gov, health.ri.gov) |
| East Bay & Newport County | EBCAP WIC (Bristol/Newport/East Providence) 401-253-7577 / 401-619-5970 / 401-437-1007; Newport Hospital warm line 401-845-1110; Family Visiting partner: Visiting Nurse Home & Hospice 401-682-2100. (datahealth.ri.gov, health.ri.gov) |
| South County & Washington County | Wood River Health WIC 401-387-9638 / 401-387-9611; South County Hospital warm line 401-788-1226; Family Visiting partner: Family Service of RI 401-331-1350. (datahealth.ri.gov, health.ri.gov) |
| Northern RI/Woonsocket | Thundermist WIC 401-767-4109; Landmark warm line 401-769-4100 x2218; Family Visiting partner: Community Care Alliance 401-235-7000. (datahealth.ri.gov, health.ri.gov) |
Fast Actions You Can Take Today
- Call your plan’s member line and ask: “Which DME suppliers can ship my covered pump, and can I order now?”
- If uninsured, apply for RIte Care or enroll via HealthSource RI’s special enrollment if you’re at or below 150% FPL.
- Book WIC intake and request breastfeeding counseling plus a pump assessment.
- Set up TDI/TCI timeline with HR so your paid weeks line up with postpartum recovery and bonding.
- Tell your employer in writing what you need to pump at work and where. Attach the PUMP Act fact sheet.
Realistic Timelines (What to Expect)
- Pump delivery: 7–14 days after DME orders (sooner if your doctor faxes the prescription the same day). Hospital‑grade rentals can take 3–7 business days if prior authorization is needed.
- RIte Care approval: varies; applying online with all documents speeds things up. If pending, ask your OB about scheduling and submitting your Medicaid ID when issued.
- TDI first payment: often 2–3 weeks after your complete claim; missing medical forms or employer wage info can add time—call 401-462-8420 if it’s been longer. (dlt.ri.gov)
FAQs (Rhode Island‑Specific)
- Do I have to pay anything for a pump?
No—for most non‑grandfathered plans, pumps and lactation support are covered with no cost‑sharing under federal preventive services rules; type and timing vary by plan. (healthcare.gov) - Can I get a pump before delivery?
Yes, usually. Many plans allow ordering late in pregnancy; ask your plan when they authorize shipment. (healthcare.gov) - Does RI Medicaid cover a hospital‑grade rental?
Yes when medically necessary; Neighborhood Health Plan lists E0604 as covered with prior authorization; your clinician/DME must submit the request. (nhpri.org) - What if I’m slightly over Medicaid income?
Check HealthSource RI’s ≤150% FPL Special Enrollment (open through 12/31/2025) and premium help; Navigators can assist. (healthsourceri.com) - How long is postpartum Medicaid coverage?
12 months continuous postpartum coverage is approved for Rhode Island. (medicaid.gov) - How much will TDI/TCI pay me in 2025?
Your weekly benefit is 4.62% of your highest quarter wages, with a minimum 139∗∗and∗∗maximum139** and **maximum 1,103 per week for benefit years starting 7/1/2025; dependency allowance may add more. (dlt.ri.gov) - How many weeks of bonding leave do I get?
Up to 7 weeks of paid TCI in your benefit year; apply within 30 days of starting leave. (dlt.ri.gov) - Are there phone numbers I can call for same‑day lactation help?
Yes—hospital warm lines: Kent 401-736-1988, Landmark 401-769-4100 x2218, Newport 401-845-1110, South County 401-788-1226, Women & Infants 1-800-711-7011. (health.ri.gov) - Do I have the right to pump at work?
Yes—under the federal PUMP Act you’re entitled to reasonable break time and a private space (not a bathroom) for 1 year after birth; RI law also requires employers to make reasonable efforts to provide a private, sanitary space. (dol.gov, webserver.rilin.state.ri.us) - Is time off after birth job‑protected?
If you’re FMLA‑eligible, you have up to 12 workweeks of job‑protected leave in a 12‑month period; FMLA can run alongside paid TDI/TCI. (dol.gov)
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team
Methodology: we used only official state/federal sources and established nonprofits; we cross‑checked program rules on Rhode Island EOHHS/DHS, RIDOH, DLT, HealthSource RI, HRSA, and plan policies (Neighborhood Health Plan of RI, BCBSRI, UHC Community Plan).
Update cadence: we monitor policy changes and refresh figures promptly per our Editorial Standards.
Verification window: last verified September 2025 (next review April 2026).
Contact for corrections: info@asinglemother.org (we respond within 48–72 hours).
Primary sources used include: RI EOHHS (RIte Care 253% FPL and plans), DHS Call Center; EOHHS 2025 FPL table; RIDOH WIC income guidelines and WIC clinic directory; RIDOH breastfeeding and hospital warm lines; HealthSource RI Special Enrollment through 12/31/2025; DLT press release and TDI/TCI FAQs (2025 maximums and rules); Neighborhood Health Plan DME guide (E0602/E0603/E0604, A4287); BCBSRI hospital‑grade pump policy; UHC Community Plan (Medicaid) member page; HRSA and HealthCare.gov breastfeeding coverage; U.S. DOL PUMP Act and FMLA fact sheets. (eohhs.ri.gov, health.ri.gov, datahealth.ri.gov, healthsourceri.com, dlt.ri.gov, nhpri.org, bcbsri.com, uhc.com, hrsa.gov, healthcare.gov, dol.gov)
Disclaimer
Important: this guide is for general information. Programs change and local implementation varies by county and plan. Always verify eligibility, amounts, and deadlines with the agency or health plan before you apply or make financial decisions. We are researchers, not attorneys or your health plan—this is not legal or medical advice. We link to official pages wherever possible to keep your data secure; do not share sensitive information unless you are on a secure, official site. If you spot an error, please email info@asinglemother.org so we can correct it quickly. (health.ri.gov)
Appendix: Program‑by‑Program Snapshot (At‑a‑Glance Table)
| Program | Key eligibility | Typical benefit | Deadlines | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pump via insurance | Any non‑grandfathered plan | Manual or double‑electric pump, lactation support | Varies by plan; order before birth if allowed | Call your plan (numbers above); see HRSA/HealthCare.gov rules. (hrsa.gov, healthcare.gov) |
| RIte Care (Medicaid) | Pregnant ≤ 253% FPL | Full maternity care, pump through MCO, 12 months postpartum coverage | Rolling; apply ASAP | Apply via DHS/HealthSource RI; call 1-855-697-4347. (eohhs.ri.gov, medicaid.gov) |
| WIC | Income ≤ WIC limits | Food, breastfeeding counseling, pumps as needed | Rolling; schedule intake | Call 401-222-5960 or nearest clinic. (health.ri.gov) |
| TDI | Medically unable to work | Weekly pay up to $1,103 (max) | File promptly; benefits can start day 1 of disability | File with DLT; help at 401-462-8420. (dlt.ri.gov) |
| TCI | Bonding (first 12 months) | Up to 7 weeks paid bonding | Apply within 30 days of leave start | File with DLT (same portal). (dlt.ri.gov) |
| Pumping at work | Most employees | Reasonable breaks + private space for 1 year | Request any time after you return | See U.S. DOL PUMP Act; RI statute. (dol.gov, webserver.rilin.state.ri.us) |
Reality Checks, Warnings, and Tips
- Plan rules vary: some cover purchase of a new double‑electric; others only rentals. Ask specifically about pump type, brand options, when shipment is allowed, and whether a prescription is needed. (healthcare.gov)
- Hospital‑grade pumps are for special situations; approval depends on medical need and plan policy (e.g., Neighborhood requires prior authorization; BCBSRI requires a provider order and 60‑day renewal). (nhpri.org, bcbsri.com)
- TDI/TCI pay amounts: your weekly pay depends on your past wages. Use DLT’s formula and be patient with processing—2–3 weeks is common for first payments. (dlt.ri.gov)
- FMLA is unpaid but protects your job and health insurance; you can stack it with TDI/TCI and employer PTO. (dol.gov)
- WIC isn’t just food: it’s free breastfeeding help, referrals, and—when appropriate—pumps. If your clinic is booked, RIDOH will move appointments or extend benefits during transitions. (health.ri.gov, ri.gov)
- Keep everything: save emails, approvals, and shipping receipts; if something is denied, you’ll need them for appeals.
- Call back if lines are busy: use off‑peak hours and ask for a callback. Most agencies can schedule phone or virtual appointments if you can’t get time off work.
By following the steps above—and using the exact phone numbers, deadlines, and links—you can secure a covered breast pump, line up paid leave, and keep protected time to feed and pump once you’re back at work, all within Rhode Island’s current rules.
🏛️More Rhode Island Resources for Single Mothers
Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Rhode Island
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