Find free and low-cost mammograms in October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a good time to consider a mammogram. The National Breast Cancer Foundation recommends that all women over 40 get a mammogram every one to two years. If you have private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, at least part of the cost of your mammogram should be covered. Under the federal Affordable Health Care Act, if you have a new health insurance plan or insurance policy issued after Sept. 23, 2010, and you are over 40, mammograms must be covered with no copayment or obligation to first meet your deductible.

If you’re uninsured or underinsured, Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) is a good time to get a free or low-cost mammogram. Here are some resources that can help.

• The National Breast Cancer Foundation has a National Mammography Program that partners with medical facilities across the United States to provide mammograms.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides breast cancer screenings (including mammograms) and cervical cancer screenings to low-income, uninsured or underinsured women.
• Some Susan G. Komen Foundation affiliates sponsor programs or events to provide free or low-cost mammograms. Some also offer breast cancer education and treatment services (the services provided vary by affiliate). Check with your local affiliate to see what’s available.
• During October, many FDA-certified imaging centers offer free mammograms or discounts on mammography services. Click here to find an imaging center near you. You’ll need to call each facility to ask about deals for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
• The American Cancer Society can help you find free or low-cost mammograms in your area. Call 800-227-2345 for assistance.