Have you put off having a mammogram because you’re not sure how you would pay for it? These resources may be able to help – even if your screening detects breast cancer.
There are several options available to help qualifying patients pay for their regular mammograms and can even help pay for some or all of treatment if patients are diagnosed with breast cancer.
Best for older women or women who have a family history of breast cancer:
NC Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
The Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCCP, pronounced “b-cep”) is a statewide program that offers free and low-cost preventive screenings for breast and cervical cancer, such as mammograms and Pap smears.
If a woman receives a mammogram through BCCCP that detects breast cancer, BCCCP will also pay for her cancer treatment through their Medicaid program, BCCM, if she meets the financial requirements.
Patients are eligible for BCCCP if they:
- are uninsured or underinsured
- are not enrolled in Medicare Part B or Medicaid
- are between ages 40-64 for breast screening services and 21-64 for cervical screening services
- have a household income below 250% of the federal poverty level
Patients can refer themselves to New Hanover County Health and Human Services' BCCCP program by calling the BCCCP Coordinator at 910-798-6569, or they can get a referral from their primary care physician.
Best for younger women or women who have delayed other preventive screenings:
NHRMC’s Financial Aid
NHRMC offers financial assistance for patients who need medically necessary care but can’t pay. If patients meet a few criteria, 100% of their care will be covered -- including mammograms, other diagnostic tests, or treatment for breast cancer. Once you’re approved for financial aid, you can catch up on other services you’ve delayed.
To qualify for NHRMC’s financial aid, patients must:
- be uninsured or have limited insurance (in certain circumstances)
- not have declined insurance through their employer
- be unable to access other programs that would cover their expenses
- not have substantial cash assets
- not be ineligible for government-sponsored insurance coverage because of noncompliance with requirements
- have an annual family income below 300% of the federal poverty level
- live in the NHRMC service area
To apply, complete the financial aid assistance form in English or Spanish and send it to the Patient Financial Services department at PO Box 9000, Wilmington, NC 28402. For more information, call 910-667-7050 or visit nhrmc.org/patients/insurance-billing/assistance.
Best for women with no family history of breast cancer:
Pink Ribbon Project
The NHRMC Foundation’s Pink Ribbon Project provides free 3D mammogram screenings to women who are uninsured and meet certain financial criteria. Patients can get a Pink Ribbon referral through their provider, or they can self-refer by calling 910-662-9055 or emailing [email protected].
For more details on the financial requirements or to apply, call 910-662-9055 or email [email protected].