Taking care of your health starts long before you ever get sick. Whether you’re scheduling your first mammogram, keeping up with routine care, getting additional testing, or navigating a breast cancer diagnosis, your health plan can help you get the care and support you need every step of the way.
Health insurance is about more than treating illness.
It can help cover preventive care, screenings, treatment, follow-up care, prescriptions, and more. Because when it comes to breast cancer, early detection matters. Regular screenings are one of the most effective ways to find breast cancer early, when treatment is often more successful.
Here’s what to know about using your health plan from coverage to care.
Breast Cancer and Preventive Care
One of the best benefits included with your health plan is preventive care. These services help catch health concerns early, when treatment is often more successful. When it comes to breast cancer, early detection can make a meaningful difference.
All Covered California health plans include free preventive care, including mammograms for women ages 40 and up. If you’re eligible, your preventive mammogram is covered at no additional cost.
Talk with your doctor about when you should start getting mammograms. For many women, regular screenings begin at age 40. Your doctor can also help determine if you need to start earlier or follow a different screening schedule based on your personal and family health history.
Getting screened with regular mammograms is one of the best things you can do for yourself. And if your mammogram shows something unusual, don’t put off the next steps. Following up with any recommended testing helps you get the answers you need.
Getting a Mammogram
Putting off a mammogram because of discomfort or fear of the unknown is understandable. But finding breast cancer early can make treatment more successful.
If you are due for a mammogram, or aren’t sure, start by talking with your doctor or OB-GYN. They can help you understand when you should get screened and what’s right for you.
Your health insurance provider can help you find an in-network imaging center and answer questions about your coverage, including how to get your mammogram at no additional cost.
Understanding Mammogram Results
Remember, not all abnormal mammogram results mean you have breast cancer. Your care team can help you understand the results and any next steps.
Your doctor may request additional images, like a diagnostic mammogram, or an ultrasound or MRI. Each test helps your care team understand what could be causing the abnormal result.
If your doctor recommends additional testing, don’t put it off. Following up as soon as you can is just as important as getting the screening itself. If breast cancer is found, starting treatment early can make a meaningful difference.
For Sacramento resident Rashell Choo, early detection made all the difference.
“What early detection meant for me was that they were able to find my cancer at stage zero. I didn’t even know stage zero was a thing, but it was.”
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
A breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, whether it’s for you or someone you love. Treatment often involves several health care professionals working together on a plan that’s right for you.
Depending on your diagnosis, your care team may include a breast surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and a plastic surgeon.
Every diagnosis is different, and every treatment plan is too.
Breast Cancer Treatments
Your providers work together to develop a treatment plan that’s specific to you. Depending on your needs, treatment may include:
- Follow-up imaging
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Breast reconstruction
Work with your care team for a plan that’s appropriate for your situation.
Breast Cancer and Your Mental Health
A breast cancer diagnosis affects more than physical health.
Feeling anxious, stressed, angry, overwhelmed, or scared is completely normal during diagnosis and treatment. Our health plans include mental health benefits that may cover counseling and other services to help you navigate this difficult time. You can also find support through breast cancer support groups and communities. Talk with your doctor about the mental health support options available to you.
Using Your Health Plan
Breast cancer care often involves more than screenings and treatment. Your health plan also includes many other benefits that can support your health along the way.
Services covered by your health plan are ready to use on the first day your coverage begins. Even before your membership ID has arrived. Here is a list of the benefits covered by all plans and the benefits specific to women’s health.
