Free Cancer Screenings for Iowans with the Care for Yourself Program

Your loved ones want you to be around for future hugs, game nights, and birthday parties because they count on you to be there to support them. That’s why it is important that you schedule your routine breast cancer and cervical cancer health screenings. With Care for Yourself, many women are eligible for free or low-cost breast cancer screenings (clinical breast exams and mammograms), and cervical cancer screenings (Pap testing and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing).

If you are between 21 and 64 years of age, you can count on us to help you with free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings. We are here to help you find confidential, caring health care so you can be around to experience even more special memories. Do you want to know more about Care for Yourself?

Do you want to talk to a confidential Coordinator now? Call (866) 339-7909 to speak to someone immediately. Care for Yourself Coordinators are available to help you Monday-Friday, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Ellos confían en usted. Usted puede confiar en nosotros. Descubra cómo hacerse exámenes gratuitos de detección de cáncer. Se habla español (866) 339-7909.

What Services Does Care for Yourself Provide?

Care for Yourself provides free or low-cost breast cancer screenings—such as clinical breast exams and mammograms—and cervical cancer screenings—like Pap testing and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing) for Iowans between 21 and 64 years of age. Certain income requirements may determine eligibility, but Care for Yourself can also make recommendations for individuals that are not able to participate in the program.

Can I Get a Free Breast Exam or Mammogram?

Absolutely! Eligible individuals may qualify for free or low-cost breast cancer screenings, including clinical breast exams and mammograms.

Can I Get a Pap Test or HPV Test?

Yes, we can help you with cervical screening and tests to keep you healthy. Eligible individuals may qualify for free or low-cost cervical cancer screenings, including Pap and HPV tests.

How Can I Get a Free Breast or Cervical Cancer Screening?

You are in the right place to find free screenings in Iowa. You may ask yourself “Do I qualify for a free screening?” With Care for Yourself, you may be eligible for free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings if you:

• Are between the ages of 21 and 64
• Take home less than $2,832 (or less) monthly from your job*

* Do you live with other people? Are they part of your household? You may still qualify for free or low-cost cancer screenings. Add $983 to the maximum monthly income limit for each additional household member. Contact us if you have questions about the income qualifications.

I Am Scared to Get Bad News About My Health. Can You Talk Me Through My Fears?

Yes, we want to support you, through the good and the ‘not so good.’ Every Care for Yourself participant receives local patient navigation services. When you enroll, a local Care for Yourself Coordinator will help walk you through the breast or cervical screening process. They can help address any fears or concerns you may have.

Health Tests and Screenings Can Be Painful. Will Someone ‘Hold My Hand’ Through the Process?

Yes, if you want us to hold your hand, we will! Our Coordinators are professional and compassionate. Some of them may even experience discomfort during their own tests, so they will have ways to help you be more comfortable. The Coordinators have tips to reduce any pain or discomfort you may experience. Some of our programs even have a dedicated person to guide you through every step of the process.

Sometimes I Don't Have My Car. Are the Screening Clinics Located Near Me?

The majority of Iowans live or work near one of our 1,200 clinics that provide free or reduced rates for breast and cervical cancer screenings.

How Do I Know If I am More at Risk for Breast or Cervical Cancer?

Along with getting regular breast and cervical cancer screenings, knowing your personal risk of developing cancer can help you care for yourself and your body. Risk factors can be reduced by:

• Moving your body more and getting physically active
• Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight
• Quitting smoking and tobacco use
• Limiting alcoholic drinks or quitting drinking

Some things that can increase your risk of getting certain cancers are outside of your control, such as your family’s health history and past or current medical conditions.

Take our 3-minute quiz to find out if you should be screened for breast and cervical cancer more often. Remember to talk with your doctor and make a plan to keep you healthy. The survey is completely confidential and is designed to help you learn more about your individual risk factors.

No Insurance or Limited Insurance Coverage FAQs

I Don’t Have Insurance. Are Mammogram and Pap Screenings Really Free?

We are here for you. You can count on our compassionate and confidential coordinators to talk you through your options. Iowa women aged 21-64 with a monthly income of $2,832 (add $983 for each additional household member) can receive cervical cancer screenings, including Pap and HPV tests as well as breast exams, mammograms, and any needed diagnostic procedures.

I Have ‘Okay’ Insurance. Can I Still Get Low-Cost Cancer Screenings?

No one wants to be stuck with a health care bill for hundreds of dollars because insurance doesn’t cover certain services or your out-of-pocket deductible is unaffordable. The Care for Yourself Program can help cover the out-of-pocket costs for program-enrolled individuals for breast and cervical cancer screenings. The program covers services including Pap and HPV testing, breast exams, mammograms, and diagnostic testing.

I am on Medicaid. Do I Also Qualify for a Free Mammogram or Pap Test?

If you have insurance that covers cancer screening services, such as Medicaid, the Care for Yourself Program can still help you navigate the healthcare system so you get the care you deserve.

How Do I Know If My Insurance Covers Some of the Cost of Cancer Screenings?

Insurance can be confusing, we understand. After checking with your health insurance provider, you can count on us to help you get the care you need. Individuals ages 21-64 with a monthly income of $2,832 (add $983 for each additional household member) can receive cervical cancer screenings, including Pap and HPV tests as well as breast exams, mammograms and any needed diagnostic procedures.

What If I Don't Qualify? Can You Still Help Me Get Cancer Screenings?

Yes! If your insurance does not cover a breast or cervical cancer screening, and you do not meet the age or household income requirements, we can help refer you to other resources in your community.

Risk Factors for Cancer, Heart Disease & Stroke

Early detection could save your life. Read about why breast cancer, cervical cancer, and heart disease or stroke screenings are important.

Are You Over the Age of 40 and Ready to Make a Change in Your Life?

If you’re eligible for our breast and cervical cancer screening, and you are 40 years old, you may be able to get cardiovascular screenings through the WISEWOMAN Program. More information will be posted soon.

This program is specially designed to provide support for your overall health needs at this time in your life. WISEWOMAN checks for heart disease risk factors, provides physical health and financial health coaching, and advice on eating healthier. Most of all, WISEWOMAN provides the emotional support and a sense of community many of us need as we make changes in our lives. WISEWOMAN provides up to 12 weeks of Weight Watchers™ training, home blood pressure monitoring, smoking cessation program referrals, transportation assistance, and medication therapy management. As a participant of WISEWOMAN, you can build on your wisdom and knowledge to take an even more active role in your health.

Contact us at (866) 339-7909 today to get started with Care for Yourself.