Free or low-cost screenings without insurance
No insurance does not have to mean no screening. Federally funded health centers charge by income, a CDC program pays for mammograms and Pap tests for women who qualify, and HIV, hepatitis and STI tests are often free. Here is where to go for each, from the agencies that run them.
| Screening | Where to ask | What it costs |
|---|---|---|
| Mammogram, Pap test, HPV test | CDC breast and cervical program in your state | Free or low cost if you qualify by income and age |
| Most other screenings (blood pressure, diabetes, colorectal, cholesterol) | A community health center | Fees based on income and family size |
| HIV, hepatitis C, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis | Clinics listed on CDC GetTested | Free or low cost, confidential |
| All recommended screenings | Medicaid, or a Marketplace plan | No copay or coinsurance for covered preventive services, in-network |
Not sure which screenings you need? Build your screening plan first, then take the list with you.
Community health centers: fees based on income
HRSA, the federal agency that funds them, describes health centers as "local clinics" that "treat people's medical, dental, mental health, substance use, and other health care needs." Every one of them must "adjust their fees based on income and family size" and "serve everyone, even if they cannot pay." (HRSA)
The rules behind that: "no patient shall be denied service due to an individual's inability to pay," and "partial discounts are provided for individuals and families with incomes above 100 percent of the current FPG and at or below 200 percent of the current FPG." (HRSA Compliance Manual) FPG is the federal poverty guidelines. Bring proof of income and household size to get the discount.
To find one, use HRSA's Find a Health Center tool, which gives "contact information and directions to each location." (HRSA)
Free mammograms and Pap tests: the CDC program
The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program "provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services to women who have low incomes and are uninsured or underinsured." CDC says you may be eligible for free or low-cost screening if: (CDC)
- you have no insurance, or your insurance does not cover screening exams;
- your yearly income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level;
- you are 40 to 64 for breast cancer screening, or 21 to 64 for cervical cancer screening. CDC adds that "certain women who are younger or older may qualify."
The program also covers follow-up tests if a result is abnormal ("diagnostic services"). Each state, territory and tribal program has its own contact; pick yours on CDC's screenings page, or call CDC-INFO at 800-232-4636. When to get these tests: mammograms by age and Pap and HPV tests.
Free HIV, hepatitis and STI testing
CDC's GetTested finds testing sites by ZIP code. CDC notes that "there are many clinics that provide confidential and free or low-cost testing." (CDC) What the USPSTF recommends: HIV, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, chlamydia and gonorrhea, syphilis.
Colorectal screening
CDC's colorectal program does not screen people directly any more. It "works with clinics, hospitals, and other health care organizations" to raise screening rates, and its recipients partner with "clinics and health systems that have a low percentage of patients who are up to date." (CDC) In practice, ask at a community health center. The USPSTF lists several test options, including stool tests you do at home: colorectal screening tests and how often.
Check whether you qualify for coverage
HealthCare.gov will tell you "if you might qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or savings on a Marketplace plan" from your household size and state, and says: "Even if you don't think you'll qualify for Medicaid based on your income, you should apply." You can apply "any time of year." (HealthCare.gov)
Once covered, most health plans must cover preventive services such as screening tests "at no cost to you," generally "when provided by an in-network medical provider." HealthCare.gov adds: "$0 cost isn't guaranteed in all cases." (HealthCare.gov) What each screening costs with insurance or Medicare: preventive screenings covered by insurance.
Programs, income limits and clinic hours change. Call ahead, ask what the visit will cost and what to bring, and ask before any follow-up test whether it is covered too.
Questions people ask
Where can I get a free mammogram without insurance?
Through the CDC National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. You may qualify if you have no insurance (or it does not cover screening), your income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, and you are 40 to 64. Each state, territory or tribe runs its own program; CDC lists them on its screenings page.
Can I get a free Pap test?
The same CDC program covers cervical screening (Pap and HPV tests) for women 21 to 64 who meet the income and insurance rules. Community health centers also offer cervical screening with fees adjusted to income.
Will a health center turn me away if I cannot pay?
No. HRSA says health centers must "serve everyone, even if they cannot pay," and its rules say "no patient shall be denied service due to an individual's inability to pay." Fees are adjusted by income and family size.
Is there a free colonoscopy program?
Not one you can sign up for directly. CDC's colorectal program works through clinics and health systems rather than screening individuals. A community health center is the place to ask. A stool test done at home is one of the USPSTF screening options.
Should I apply for Medicaid even if I think I earn too much?
HealthCare.gov says: "Even if you don't think you'll qualify for Medicaid based on your income, you should apply." You can apply any time of year, through HealthCare.gov or your state Medicaid agency.