Affordable Mammograms

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.