North Dakota Free Mammograms

A Comprehensive Guide to Free Mammograms in North Dakota

Breast cancer is a serious concern for many women. In the United States, including North Dakota, it's the most common cancer among women, irrespective of race or ethnicity. In North Dakota specifically, the Department of Health states that 30% of all cancer diagnoses in women are breast cancer. Thus, it's vital that women have access to breast cancer screenings, including mammograms. If cost is a concern, worry not because the State of North Dakota provides many options for free or low-cost screenings. This guide sheds light on these options, which include government programs and non-profit organizations that offer free mammograms to eligible individuals.

Government Funded Free Mammograms

The North Dakota Department of Health runs the Women’s Way Program that provides mammograms at no cost to eligible women. Women's Way provides a way to pay for most breast and cervical cancer screenings for eligible North Dakota women. The program's goal is to reduce the number of women who have late-stage breast and cervical cancer diagnoses. The eligibility criteria include being aged 40 to 64 years, uninsured or underinsured, and having a family income that does not exceed 200% of federal poverty guidelines. To apply for the program, women can visit the official website of the North Dakota Department of Health, download the English or Spanish ‘Application for women's way services’, fill it out, and mail it to the given address. Women who meet the eligibility criteria can receive breast cancer screening services, including mammograms and clinical breast exams.

Non-profit Organizations Offering Free Mammograms

Apart from government programs, several national non-profit organizations provide free mammograms to women in need. The National Breast Cancer Foundation's National Mammography Program partners with medical facilities across the nation, including North Dakota. The partnership aims to offer free mammograms to women who cannot afford them. Moreover, the American Breast Cancer Foundation's (ABCF) Breast Cancer Assistance Program provides financial assistance for breast cancer screenings and diagnostic tests for uninsured and underinserved individuals, regardless of age or gender. To take advantage of these services, women can visit the respective organization's website and find the clinics in North Dakota partnering with these programs. These centers usually require women to complete an application for assistance.

Steps to Get Screened

Following are the steps women in North Dakota should take to get their free mammography screening:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Check if you meet the eligibility criteria for a free mammogram. Each program has specific eligibility criteria, generally based on age, income, insurance status, and personal health history.
2. Choose a Program: There are various programs that provide free mammograms, including the Women’s Way Program, The National Breast Cancer Foundation's National Mammography Program, and The American Breast Cancer Foundation's Breast Cancer Assistance Program. Research each program and choose the best one for you.
3. Apply: Download the application form from the program's website, complete it, and mail it to the given address. If necessary, call the organization for assistance with the application process.
4. Appointment: Once your application is approved, schedule an appointment for your breast cancer screening at a medical facility in North Dakota.
5. Follow-Up: Following the mammogram, it is crucial to follow up with your doctor to discuss the results. If further diagnostic tests are needed, ask your doctor about financial assistance programs for these services as well.

In conclusion, even if you are underinsured or uninsured, there are options out there to help you get a mammogram at no cost or low cost. Regular screenings are important as they can detect breast cancer early when it is more treatable. No woman in North Dakota should ever neglect this critical preventative health measure due to cost.