Thursday, February 16, 2012
Just Diagnosed with Cancer? Chat with Experts

Free Mammograms Available for the Uninsured

Do I have to BEG?My oncologist, Dr. Paula Klein, and Nurse Practioner Mary Ann Guiliano were really happy about the Free Mammograms screening.   I was so grateful to have the opportunity and the ability to start the CANCER VIXEN FUNd which benefits uninsured women, as you know...
7/24/08 3:33pm

Hi,

I had a free mammogram just to ease the mind of a friend, a mammo tech.

I had no idea there was medical coverage in my state for cancers found under the BCCHP.

 

Low income women are struggling to take care of house an d family.  We can't imagine finding out we have cancer and not being able to pay for it, or losing everything we have to pay for treatment.

 

If insured women avoid mammograms for fear of cancer, which they do, imagine how much fear an uninsured woman feels!! At least twice the factor.

 

So if your free mammograms are coverede under your state's BCCHP, you should add that VERY IMPORTANT fact to your news announcement.

 

I didn't know, actually, that I had medical assistance for two weeks after my diagnosis, and those were weeks from hell. I was horrified at what my parents and siblings and friends would say,       oooh you should have had insurance   etc

 

So please!! tell people about the BCCHP!!

 

We can't get help if we don't know there is a safety net below us when we step off into the abyss.

 

Catharine Fletcher in Seattle

Thank God for my BCCHP and my early diagnosis.

7/24/08 3:48pm

Can you tell me more about BCCHP?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer WITHOUT insurance, that's why I started my fund.

 

On a more personal note, I am happy to hear that you're ok.

 

Marisa

7/24/08 4:34pm

Wow....

I am amazed at how secret this thing is. It was created a few years ago, with private, state and federal money. I think it is supposed to be in all states but not all so far as I can tell.

Here is the tag on my emails about it--please check it out.

 

damn, my security won't let me copy it into this reply

 

I'll try again

7/24/08 4:44pm

ok, can't paste, but here are some notes:

 

try   888-438-2247

 

or this url

 

www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/about.htm

 

In Washington state:

Low income women, un insured or under-insured, AGE 40-64,

can get a free mammo and pap smear annually through this program

and full medicaid coverage if cancer is found by these tests

(must be tested under the BCCHP umbrella)

Free pap smears start at 18

 

I have no idea why it is so un-advertised, un announced,

 

I got hand out supplies from my local admin office, and offer of more when I run out.

 

8/14/08 7:12pm

Thank you Catherine, I will look into it!
All best,

 

Marisa

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