To reduce the number of cases and deaths due to breast and cervical cancer, among women with limited access to healthcare.
A message from Dr. Alexander-Scott, former director of the Rhode Island Dept. of Health
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