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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 help provide added financial peace of mind if you receive a diagnosis. If you file a covered claim with your Aflac policy, cash benefits can be used to help with 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.
* Cancer insurance is also known as specified-disease insurance in some states.
1 American Cancer Society – American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer. Updated November 1, 2023. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/screening/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer.html. Accessed August 30, 2024.
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 30, 2024.
3 GoodRX Health – How to Get Free or Low-Cost Mammograms in Your State. Updated July 1, 2024. https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/breast-cancer/free-mammogram. Accessed August 30, 2024.
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 is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Cancer/Specified-Disease, B70000 series: In Delaware, Policies B70100DE, B70200DE & B70300DE. In Idaho, Policies B70100ID, B70200ID, B70300ID, B7010EPID, B7020EPID. In Oklahoma, Policies B70100OK, B70200OK, B70300OK, B7010EPOK, B7020EPOK. A75000 series: In Virginia, policies A75100VA–A75300VA.
Other coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (Tier One NAIC 92908).
Cancer/Specified Disease plans, T70000 series: In Delaware, Policy T70000. In Idaho, Policy T70000ID. In Oklahoma, In Virginia, policies T70000VA & T70000GVA.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations, and exclusions.
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