Program Overview
The Alabama state has set up a program that helps to provide free breast and cervical cancer screenings for women. They provide these facilities to eligible women through their program, the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. It is otherwise known as ABCCEDP and includes free services like:
- Pelvic exam
- Pap smear
- Clinical breast exam
- Mammogram
- Diagnostic services, for example, ultrasound, colposcopy, or biopsy.
Eligibility Criteria
There is a certain criterion that needs to be followed for women to avail of the services offered. In the case of free services, it is important for women to:
- Meet the eligibility age
- Have an income at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines. You may consider looking into the latest income eligibility guidelines.
- Who are either underinsured or without insurance
Other aspects considered for breast cancer screening include that:
- The women aged between 50 to 64. They are to get screened every other year.
- The women aged between 40 to 64 with breast mass or one of the following receive a mammogram and MRI alternated every 6 months:
- Breast complaints such as bloody nipple discharge, dimpling, discrete palpable mass, or 1st degree relative to breast cancer.
- Personal history of breast cancer, or known genetic mutation. They must have the appropriate documentation of these factors.
- 1st-degree relative with breast cancer or known genetic mutation. Documentation is vital in this case as well.
- Greater than 20% lifetime risk of breast cancer. This probability can be determined with the help of a breast cancer risk assessment.
- History of radiation treatment to the chest area before the age of 30. This usually refers to Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
- The women aged 65 and older, specifically those who do not have insurance or Medicare Part A only.
The third element of this program is Cervical Cancer Screening. Therefore, the criteria for that include:
- Women between the ages of 40 and 64. This includes those women who are not eligible for family planning. In such a case, these women are to get co-tested every 5 years or Pap every 3 years.
- Women between the age of 21 and 39, who have had a tubal ligation or partial hysterectomy with cervix remaining.
- Those between the ages of 21 and 29 are to get a Pap test only every 3 years.
- Whilst, those between the ages of 30 and 39 are to get a co-test every 5 years or a Pap test every 3 years.
- Women of any age that have a past personal history of CIN II, CIN III, or invasive cervical cancer.
- Women aged between 21 and 64 with one of the following:
- Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure in utero
- Immunocompromised due to health issues
- Organ transplant
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- The ones between the ages of 21 and 29 are to receive an annual Pap test, while those aged between 30 and 64 are to get a co-test every 3 years and an annual Pap test
- Women aged between 21 and 39 who are uninsured or under-insured require diagnostic follow-up services. These services are for abnormal cervical cancer screening results.
- Women aged 65 and above who have no insurance and only Medicare Part A. They are expected to meet the ASCCP guidelines for continued screening.
How to Apply?
The ABCCEDP has set up an Online Med-It System. This makes it easier for healthcare providers to enroll their patients. To ensure easy enrollment of the patient, instruction can easily be found. This helps make the process easier and allows a larger number of patients to avail of it.
Contact Information
For further information regarding the program and your eligibility, you can get in touch through:
- The toll-free number of ABCCEDP which is 1-877-252-3324
- The local county health department present in your area
Alabama BCCEDP has set up Alabama 211. This means that individuals can be provided with information and easy access by simply dialing 2-1-1. The easy access would be to the community resources that have been located throughout the state. Flyers have also been created which contain the number along with any other information required about the program. ABCCEDP has also created an eligibility form to help ensure clarity in terms of it for interested individuals.
