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 No Insurance? We've Got You Covered!
Today in
Pennsylvania, because of the efforts of the PA
Breast Cancer Coalition and our grassroots
advocates, uninsured women of low or moderate income
who are diagnosed with breast cancer can get FREE
TREATMENT through the Commonwealth of PA's Breast and Cervical Cancer
Prevention and Treatment Program (BCCPT).
Women who qualify for this coverage can receive free
healthcare (except for nominal copayments),
including healthcare for medical needs unrelated to
a breast or cervical cancer diagnosis, throughout
their course of treatment for cancer or a
pre-cancerous condition of the breast or cervix.
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“My
name is Angie Jannuzzi, and I am the face of
an uninsured woman whose life has been
forever changed for the better by the
Commonwealth of PA's Breast and Cervical
Cancer Prevention and Treatment Program (BCCPT).
My family and I moved to PA in 2006. My
husband got a full time job, one that
advertised family benefits and healthcare.
After the 90 day waiting period, he was told
that it would cost $700 per month for basic
family coverage. Needless to say, we were
unable to afford the insurance. On January
29th, 2009, I was diagnosed with
inflammatory breast cancer, which is a
relatively rare and aggressive type. The
office staff at my doctor’s office urged me
to call Adagio Health in Pittsburgh. A
wonderful woman there directed me to the PA
Department of Health’s HealthyWoman website,
told me the exact form to download and how
to apply to the BCCPT.
As I went in for my first chemo treatment we
still did not know if I had coverage or
not. I received notification on March 3rd
that I was approved for coverage under the
program, retroactive to my biopsy date. I
cried with relief. We wouldn’t have to sell
our cars, our house, or bankrupt ourselves
in order for me to get well. I could
concentrate on fighting cancer instead of
fighting a bill collector.” |
Angie Jannuzzi |
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If you have been diagnosed
with breast cancer and need FREE TREATMENT call the
Pennsylvania Department of Health's HealthyWoman program at
1-800-215-7494.
To be eligible, you must:
~ be uninsured or underinsured
~ be a woman residing in PA who is a US citizen or an
eligible alien
~ be under age 65
~ meet applicable income guidelines
The PBCC is thrilled to announce direct access to
the BCCPT program thanks to the extraordinary
efforts of both the PA Department of Health and the
PA Department of Public Welfare. Starting July
1, 2008, with direct access, more women are able
to receive the treatment they need through the free
treatment program.
The PBCC holds seminars
across the state to educate healthcare providers and
the public about this program. We have already
held successful seminars in Philadelphia,
Wilkes-Barre, Warrendale and Erie. Watch for a schedule so you can
attend a Free Treatment seminar in a city near you!
Upcoming Seminars:
TBA
Registration is required.
Please contact
Jennifer Pensinger at 800-377-8828 x 101 to register
for a seminar, or if you would like information on hosting
or
sponsoring a seminar in your area.
Click to download
a Free Treatment Program flyer (PDF)
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