Affordable Mammograms

A yearly mammogram is important because it is the best way to detect cancer early, while it is most treatable. Sometimes it can be hard to afford this important screening. Here are some options that may help.

Insurance

If you have any of these insurances, you may have coverage for all or part of the cost of a mammogram.

Commercial Insurance

More and more commercial insurances are covering mammography as a benefit. Contact your employer or insurance provider to determine your eligibility. If you find that your benefits are limited, or you still can’t afford the co-pay or deductible, refer to the “Special Programs for Uninsured and Underinsured Women” section.

Medicare

Medicare now covers the cost of annual screening mammography for women over age 40. In addition, Medicare waives the deductible for screening mammograms, although the standard co-pay still applies. If you have secondary insurance, this additional coverage may cover the co-pay.

Medicare is a government program that helps to cover the cost of medical care for senior citizens and those with certain disabilities. For more information, call (800) 633-4227 (800-MEDICARE) or your local Social Security office.

Medicaid

Most Medicaid programs cover screening mammograms once a year for women over age 40. Check with your caseworker to determine your eligibility.

Medicaid is a government program that helps to cover the cost of medical care for both the employed and unemployed. If you have low income or your resources have become limited, the State of Michigan offers many different Medicaid programs. Eligibility for these programs varies. To determine eligibility, an application is processed. Call your local Department of Human Services for more information.

Veteran's Benefits

If you are a veteran or the family member of a veteran, you may qualify for government benefits. Call the Department of Veteran’s Affairs at (202) 273-5400 or toll-free at (800) 827-1000.

Special Programs for Uninsured and Underinsured Women

There are programs available to help if you don’t have insurance, if your insurance doesn’t cover mammography, or if you cannot afford the co-pay or deductible.

BCCCP Program

Uninsured and underinsured women between the ages of 40 and 64 may be eligible for a mammogram and other services through the Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP). This federal program provides a clinical breast exam, mammogram, an optional pelvic exam, and pap smear at no charge on an annual basis to those who qualify. To learn about local programs in Midland, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella and Roscommon counties, contact MidMichigan’s breast health coordinator at (989) 837-9070 or toll-free at (888) 626-4547 or e-mail breast.health@midmichigan.org.

To schedule your screening or see if you qualify for this program, call the District Health Department #2 at (800) 822-0264. Recent legislation mandates that if a woman qualifies for her annual screening under BCCCP, then she would also qualify for Medicaid insurance if breast cancer were found as a result of the screening. Note that participants in the BCCCP must re-apply to the program every year.

Mammography Fund

MidMichigan Health has special funds available to help women with the cost of a mammogram. These funds have been made possible through the generous donations of patients and community members. For those who qualify, the fund will cover a significant portion of the cost of mammography. Eligibility is limited and some fees may not be covered. Call the MidMichigan Health Breast Health Program at MidMichigan Medical Center - Alpena at (989) 356-7530, MidMichigan Medical Center - Midland at (989) 837-9070 or toll-free at (888) 626-4547, or at MidMichigan Medical Center - Gratiot at (989) 466-7253.

Helpful Hints Before Scheduling Your Mammogram

To receive a mammogram, contact your physician first for a written order and then call to schedule your mammogram in Alpena at (989) 356-8001, or for all other locations call toll-free (888) 367-2778 to schedule.
Some providers will consider coverage for only one screening mammogram every 12 months without special documentation from your doctor. Consequently, if you receive a mammogram on April 15, then the following year you must schedule your mammogram on April 15 or later in order to receive your benefit.
There are two kinds of mammograms – a diagnostic or a screening mammogram. Screening mammograms produce fewer films and may be covered differently by insurance companies than diagnostic mammograms.
For more information about breast cancer and financial assistance, call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 and request their free publications. Be sure to ask for “Medical Insurance & Financial Assistance” and “Breast Cancer Facts & Figures.”