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Onslow County Health Department offers no‑cost breast and cervical cancer screening for uninsured and underinsured women
Summary
Leanne Tripp described the county’s BSEP (Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program) screening assistance for uninsured or underinsured women age 21 and older; program covers mammograms and follow‑up care and is scheduled through the health department.
Leanne Tripp of the Onslow County Health Department described the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BSEP), which the department administers with federal and state funding and tax donations. Tripp said the program helps women who are uninsured or underinsured obtain cervical cancer screening (Pap tests) and mammograms starting at age 21.
Tripp said eligibility screening is handled by BSEP staff at the health department; she usually conducts a brief income and insurance screening by phone and then schedules an appointment at the health department for an exam, Pap test and referral for a mammogram if needed. She noted that the program can also cover medically necessary follow‑up procedures such as diagnostic ultrasound or biopsies when a screening is abnormal.
Tripp advised that screening is generally not recommended past age 75, and that most women become eligible for Medicare at age 65 (which covers mammograms), but BSEP can assist women whose coverage gaps require help with screening or follow‑up. She said the program reduces financial barriers to early detection and urged eligible women to contact the Onslow County Health Department for appointments; program contact information is listed on the department’s website.
