About New York State's New Breast Cancer Programs
About New York State's New Breast Cancer Programs
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in New York. It is also the second leading cause of cancer-related death in New York women. The best protection against breast cancer is early detection and diagnosis.
The legislation builds upon $91 million in investments outlined in the Governor’s State of the State Address to increase awareness and screening for breast cancer, including a public awareness campaign, community outreach programs, patient navigators, and mobile mammography vans. The new legislative agreement will:
- Require 210 hospitals and hospital extension clinics to offer extended hours of screening for at least four hours per week to help women who have difficulty scheduling mammograms during the typical 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday. These hours include 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday or Sunday;
- Eliminate annual deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance payments (“cost-sharing”) for all screening mammograms, including those provided to women more frequently than current federal screening guidelines such as annual mammograms for women in their forties;
- Eliminate cost-sharing for diagnostic imaging for breast cancer, including diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and breast MRIs for women at high risk for breast cancer. As a result, women in need of tests other than standard mammograms will not have to pay any additional out-of-pocket expenses for these most common diagnostic tests;
- Adds public employees of cities with a population of one million or more, to the population of public employees in New York State who are currently allowed four hours of leave for screening for breast cancer each year. Current state law requires all public employers to provide their employees with four hours of leave each year for breast cancer screening. Now public employees in New York City will receive the same benefit as all other public employees statewide.
Private Sector 4-Hour Leave for Breast Cancer Screening
Private Sector 4-Hour Leave for Breast Cancer Screening
New York State employees currently receive four hours of annual leave for breast cancer screening. The State is asking all private sector employers to grant the same type of benefit to their employees and provide four hours annual leave for breast cancer screening.
The following employers already have agreed to provide this leave to their staff:
- New York City Public Employees
- Eastman Kodak Company
- Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
- D'Addario & Company, Inc.
- Lago Resort & Casino
- M&T Bank
- The Pike Company
- Paychex, Inc.
- Nazareth College
- Wilmorite Management Group, LLC
- Dixon-Schwabl Inc
- LeChase Construction Services LLC
- Hueber-Breuer Construction Company, Inc
- Eric Mower & Associates
- Le Moyne College
- P2 Collaborative of Western New York
- YMCA of Rochester
- YMCA of the Tri-Valley
- Queens Public Library
- Ardent Solutions, Inc.
Any employers wishing to join the State in this effort should submit their contact information here.
Find a Screening Location
Find a Screening Location
It's important to be screened for breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in New York. It is also the second leading cause of cancer-related death in New York women.
Early detection is the key to survival. Regular screenings can find breast cancer at an earlier stage when the disease is more easily treated. Ask your health care provider about when to start screening and how often.
Call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) to find out where you can get breast cancer screening and support in your area. Mammograms are provided in certified health care settings in every county and borough in New York State. The referral line is open 24/7, and assistance is available for non-English speaking callers.
Text "Get Screened "to 81336 to Help New Yorkers Find Mammogram Locations Near Them
NYS Cancer Services Program for Uninsured Individuals
NYS Cancer Services Program for Uninsured Individuals
The NYS Cancer Services Program offers free breast cancer screening and diagnostic services for uninsured, eligible New Yorkers.
The program provides mammograms and clinical breast exams to:
- Women ages 40 and older (some programs serve women ages 50 and older only)
- Women under age 40 at high risk for breast cancer (eligibility is determined by a New York State-licensed health care provider)
For women who have abnormal results, the program also provides free diagnostic testing and case management services.
If you are currently uninsured and would like to see what health insurance options are available to you, please visit the New York State of Health marketplace.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance Coverage
Both private health plans and health plans participating in the New York State of Health marketplace cover breast cancer screening at NO COST to the patient. Breast cancer screening is also fully covered through New York's Medicaid program. The New York State Cancer Services Program offers free breast cancer screening and diagnostic services to eligible, uninsured persons.
The legislation passed this year eliminates annual deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance payments (“cost-sharing”) for all screening mammograms, including those provided to women more frequently than current federal screening guidelines such as annual mammograms for women in their forties.
New York State law requires health insurance plans to cover treatment for breast cancer. If you don’t have insurance and need treatment, you may be eligible for the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program (MCTP). The MCTP provides full Medicaid coverage for breast cancer treatment, breast reconstruction following surgery for breast cancer, and other medical expenses for people who meet certain eligibility criteria.
Resources
Resources
To find a mammogram location near you, call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) or visit U.S. Food and Drug Administration's website.
To learn about the NYS Cancer Services Program for the uninsured, visit the Cancer Services Program's website or call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262).
Learn about the NYS Medicaid Center Treatment Program to find out if you are eligible to receive full Medicaid coverage for breast cancer treatment.
Find additional breast cancer resources on the New York State Department of Health website.
Visit the American Cancer Society website or call their hotline (1-800-227-2345) for more information.
Contact
Contact
To find breast cancer screening services near you, call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) or text "Get Screened" to 81336.