Find a Low-Cost or Free Mammogram Near You

Free mammograms are available with any United States health insurance plan if you meet specific requirements.

The Affordable Care Act requires health plans to fully cover the cost of a screening mammogram every one or two years for women over 40 who do not already have breast cancer symptoms. Medicare and Medicaid cover them as well.

If you don't have health insurance or you don't meet the criteria for coverage, you may still be able to get a free or low-cost mammogram. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and local Breast Cancer Awareness events offer free or reduced-cost mammograms to low-income and uninsured people.

This article will outline various resources you can explore for more information on low-cost or free mammograms near you.

Ask Your Healthcare Provider

If you have health insurance, your insurer must cover a screening mammogram every one to two years, as long as you are over 40.

The average cost for a screening mammogram without insurance is around $150 in the United States. A diagnostic mammogram can be more expensive, depending on the tests your healthcare provider orders.

If you don't have insurance, your healthcare provider may be able to give you information about free or low-cost mammograms near you.

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) runs the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). It provides access to screening and diagnostic services for breast and cervical cancer for low-income, uninsured, and underserved women.

NBCCEDP is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, six U.S. territories, and 13 Native American/Alaska Native tribal organizations.

You can get these mammograms through your state’s Medicaid benefits. NBCCEDP also provides pelvic exams and Pap smears.

Local Support Organizations

Several national cancer support organizations offer financial assistance or access to free mammograms.

If you aren't covered by Medicare, have a low income, or are uninsured, check with these organizations for help:

• Susan G. Komen Foundation Affiliates
• American Cancer Society
• American Breast Cancer Foundation
• The National Breast Cancer Foundation
• Planned Parenthood (They do not have mammography equipment in clinics but can often refer you to low-cost imaging centers.)

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Programs

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many facilities offer free or low-cost mammograms every October. Call your local imaging centers and ask what they may be offering.

One large nationwide organization that offers this is the YWCA through their Encore Plus Program. They also have services year-round.

Check Out the Breast Cancer Community

Many options for free mammograms come and go. It can be hard to know when and where they will be offered. An excellent source for many people is to ask on social media.

Many breast cancer advocates (often survivors themselves) are passionate about spreading the word about free and low-cost procedures. Plus, many breast cancer groups on Facebook and communities are associated with several of the organizations.

Another good place to hear the latest news—such as the availability of free mammograms—is on Twitter. You can find the breast cancer community using the hashtag #BCSM, which stands for breast cancer social media.

Does Free Mean Low Quality?

Free or discounted mammograms must have the same quality and care as full-price breast screening. Just because the service is free does not mean the quality is low.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspects mammography clinics annually. They check up on the machines and all the staff associated with their mammography program.

You can easily search for FDA-approved mammography providers by zip code, state, city, or facility name. Once you find the nearest facility, call and ask about low-cost and free mammograms.

Mammogram or MRI?

While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive for detecting breast cancer, it can lead to many false positives and is costly.

Insurance usually only covers MRI breast cancer screenings for people who are high risk—those who have a 20% or greater lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.

Mammograms are still considered the best screening for breast cancer in those with average disease risk.

In addition, supplemental screening with breast ultrasound or fast MRI may be recommended if you have dense breasts. Increased breast density carries a higher risk of breast cancer while also making tumors more difficult to see on mammography.

Fast MRI is considered more sensitive in detecting breast cancers than a combination of mammograms and ultrasounds.

Presently, screening mammograms miss roughly 20% of breast cancers. If you need a fast MRI, talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to increase the chances of your insurance paying for it—coverage is not standard.

Summary

Mammograms are a safe and effective way to help screen for and detect breast cancer, especially before you can feel a lump.

If you don't have insurance, a screening mammogram can cost around $150. A variety of low-cost and free mammogram services are available. Talk to your healthcare provider about your financial needs; they might be able to work out payment plans with imaging centers or know of resources in your community.

As a screening test, mammograms are designed for people who are asymptomatic (do not have any signs or symptoms of breast cancer). Symptomatic patients are considered diagnostic, and insurance companies aren't required to pay the total cost.

Regardless, the price tag shouldn't deter you from having a mammogram. There are various options and resources to help you find affordable care—consider contacting a cancer center social worker to help you find services.