To reduce the number of cases and deaths due to breast and cervical cancer, among women with limited access to healthcare.
What we do
Determine eligibility
Eligibility criteria
Health Insurance status, uninsured - having no health insurance; OR underinsured - having health insurance but the co-pay, deductible or out of pocket expense associated with the breast/cervical screening/follow-up care is unaffordable and has created a barrier to care
Income level - less than 250% of Federal Poverty Level more
Residency - must be a Rhode Island resident
Provide screening and diagnostic services to eligible women in various age groups:
Cervical cancer screening (Pap test alone every three years);
Breast cancer screening (clinical breast exam, only if performed in conjunction with Pap test);
Diagnostic services and follow-up, if an abnormality is found in a screening test.
Age 30 – 39 can receive
Cervical cancer screening (Pap test alone every three years, OR high-risk HPV test alone every 5 years, OR Pap and high-risk HPV test together every 5 years);
Breast cancer screening (clinical breast exam, only if performed in conjunction with Pap test);
Diagnostic services and follow-up, if an abnormality is found in a screening test.
Age 40 – 64 can receive
Cervical cancer screening (Pap test alone every three years, OR high-risk HPV test alone every 5 years, OR Pap and high-risk HPV test together every 5 years);
Breast cancer screening (mammogram and clinical breast exam every year);
Diagnostic services and follow-up, if an abnormality is found in a screening test.
Age 65 can receive
Not eligible for program services. Exception: Women without Medicare Part B and undocumented women are eligible for all program services.
Any age women
Women with symptoms suspicious for breast cancer, OR, and abnormal finding on a clinical breast exam are eligible for breast services including diagnostic follow-up.
As an extention of the Women's Cancer Screening program, a woman who is uninsured may apply for Medical Assistance (Medicaid) through the program to cover the cost of treatment for a precancerous condition of the breast/cervix or a diagnosis of breast of cervical cancer. In order to qualify for Medical Assistance through this program, a woman must: Meet the eligibility requirements of enrollment into the Womens Cancer Screening Program AND
Be a US citizen (and show proof - U.S. Passport or U.S. Birth Certificate) or be a qualified immigrant for a minimum of five years (must provide copy of her permanent resident alien card). Please note: a working VISA or a copy of a social security card is not considered proof of permanent resident alien status; and
Show proof of Rhode Island residency (driver's license, utility bill, etc.); and
Have no other individual or group insurance. Please note: Women age 65 and older are not eligible for Medical Assistance through the Womens Cancer Screening Program.
Rhode Island Department of Health