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Regular mammograms help catch signs of breast cancer early — which can maximize the chance of successful treatment. However, mammograms are often performed separately from annual physicals and well-woman exams. So, you may have to pay for them individually, and costs can vary by many factors. In this article, we’ll discuss when women should begin getting mammograms, and then dive into the cost of these procedures with and without insurance.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women speak to their doctor about undergoing an annual mammogram at age 40. By age 45, it’s recommended that women start getting annual mammograms if they aren’t yet.1
Once you reach age 55, you can continue yearly screening but can also drop down to getting a mammogram every two years. You should continue getting mammograms as long as you’re in good health. Ultimately, speak with your doctor about mammogram frequency.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with affordable coverage from Aflac.
Many health insurance plans cover annual screening mammogram costs for women 40 and older. This makes it easy for you to get your preventive screenings. However, health insurance may offer less coverage for preventive procedures. These procedures are more in-depth and more expensive.
Cancer insurance policies, such as those Aflac offers, can help bridge this gap. Aflac cancer insurance helps with expenses associated with these type of screenings.
As mentioned, screening mammograms are typically covered by health insurance for women 40 and older. Some locations legally require insurance providers to cover certain mammogram procedures for all women of a certain age. As for cancer insurance, it generally helps cover costs associated with a cancer diagnosis.
Furthermore, qualification depends on the type of policy. For example, you may qualify for cancer insurance through your employer if they offer a group cancer insurance policy. Meanwhile, you can apply for an individual cancer insurance policy through providers such as Aflac to help supplement your health insurance.
3D mammograms provide a three-dimensional image of the breast. Radiologists take images from multiple angles to view breast tissue in more detail than 2D mammograms. 3D mammography can identify breast cancer more often and has a lower false-positive rate than 2D mammography. As a result, 3D mammography is often more desirable among patients.2
3D mammography may cost more than 2D mammography. Fortunately, many insurance companies help cover the cost of 3D mammography, and some localities require insurers to provide coverage for these procedures.
Mammogram costs without insurance can vary, but you may pay the full cost out of pocket if you don’t have insurance. Screening mammograms can cost less than diagnostic mammograms, and 2D mammograms can cost less than 3D mammograms. If you’re uninsured, low-cost or no-cost options may be available.3
It’s understandable to be concerned about care quality regarding low-cost and no-cost mammograms. However, every mammography facility in the U.S. must abide by criteria specific to the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).3 Furthermore, every facility must undergo annual FDA inspections to ensure they meet quality and care standards. These regulations and inspections include low-cost and no-cost facilities. Therefore, you can expect the same baseline level of care, regardless of your financial situation.
Regular mammograms can be important for women ages 40 and older. These preventive procedures can help catch signs of cancer early so that you and your medical providers can act immediately.
Fortunately, low-cost and no-cost options are available, and they are regulated to help ensure they offer the same baseline level of quality and care as other facilities. As a result, you can get the care you need no matter your situation.
Cancer insurance such as Aflac’s can offer further added financial peace of mind if you receive a diagnosis. When you file a claim with your Aflac policy, you receive a cash benefit for use to help on anything — whether that’s medical bills, mortgage or rent payments, or medication refills. Speak with an Aflac agent to see how cancer insurance can help protect you in your time of need.
1 American Cancer Society – American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer. Updated February 24, 2023. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/screening/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer.html. Accessed August 15, 2023.
2 Breastcancer.org – Huge Study Shows 3D Mammograms Better than 2D. Updated March 14, 2023. https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/3d-mammogram-better-than-2D. Accessed August 15, 2023.
3 Healthline – How Much Does a Mammogram Cost? Updated May 7, 2021. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/3d-mammogram#cost-with-insurance. Accessed August 15, 2023.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac Coverage
Series B70000: In Arkansas, Policies B70100AR, B70200AR, B70300AR, B7010EPAR, B7020EPAR. In Delaware, Policies B70100DE, B70200DE & B70300DE. In Idaho, Policies B70100ID, B70200ID, B70300ID, B7010EPID, B7020EPID. In Oklahoma, Policies B70100OK, B70200OK, B70300OK, B7010EPOK, B7020EPOK. In Oregon, Policies B70100OR, B70200OR, B70300OR, B7010EPOR, B7020EPOR. In Pennsylvania, Policies B70100PA, B70200PA, B70300PA. In Texas, Policies B70100TX, B70200TX, B70300TX, B7010EPTX, B7020EPTX. Series A78000: In New York, Policies, NY78100–NY78400. Series A75000: In Virginia, policies A75100VA–A75300VA.
Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage s underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Tier One Coverage
Series T70000: In Arkansas, Policy T70000ARR. In Delaware, Policy T70000. In Idaho, Policy T70000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T70000OK. In Oregon, Policy T70000OR. In Pennsylvania, Policies T70000PA, T7000GPA. In Texas, Policy T70000TX. In Virginia, policies T70000VA & T70000GVA.
Coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company.
This is a brief product overview only. Coverage may not be available in all states. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on plan selected. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Plans and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact plans and riders for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions. For availability and costs, please contact your local Aflac agent/producer.
Aflac’s family of insurers include Aflac, Aflac New York, Continental American Insurance Company, and Tier One Insurance Company.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
Z2301074
EXP 10/24
