The short answer
The Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program lets states offer full Medicaid coverage to people diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through certain screening programs, even if their income is otherwise too high. Every state and D.C. has one.
The BCCTP can provide full Medicaid coverage for breast or cervical cancer treatment.
It may help people whose income is otherwise too high for regular Medicaid.
In many states, you must be diagnosed through a CDC-affiliated screening program to qualify.
Coverage includes treatment for breast or cervical cancer or certain precancerous conditions.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
The Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP) is a Medicaid path that lets states provide full coverage to people who need treatment for breast or cervical cancer, or certain precancerous conditions. Importantly, it can help even if your income is otherwise too high for regular Medicaid.
Who can qualify
To qualify, you generally must:
- Need treatment for breast or cervical cancer, or a precancerous condition of the breast or cervix
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen, such as a lawful permanent resident
- In many states, have been diagnosed through a program affiliated with the CDC's screening program
What it covers
People who qualify get full Medicaid coverage that includes treatment for their breast or cervical cancer or precancerous condition. In some states there is a standard treatment period — such as a set number of months — with extensions available if you and your doctor apply.
You may qualify through the BCCTP even if your income is too high for other Medicaid.
How to apply
If you were screened through a CDC-affiliated program, that program can often help you apply. You can also contact your state's BCCTP or Medicaid agency directly. A doctor usually completes paperwork verifying the diagnosis. Every state and the District of Columbia has this program, though details vary.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What is the BCCTP?
The Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program is a Medicaid path that lets states provide full coverage to people who need treatment for breast or cervical cancer, or certain precancerous conditions.
▸Who can qualify?
You generally must need treatment for breast or cervical cancer or a precancerous condition, be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen, and, in many states, have been diagnosed through a program affiliated with the CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
▸What if my income is too high for regular Medicaid?
You may still qualify through the BCCTP even if your income is too high for other Medicaid programs in your state. That is one of the program's key benefits.
▸What does it cover?
People who qualify get full Medicaid coverage that includes treatment for their breast or cervical cancer or precancerous condition. In some states there is a standard treatment period, with extensions possible.
▸How do I apply?
If you were screened through a CDC-affiliated program, that program can often help you apply. You can also contact your state's BCCTP or Medicaid agency. A doctor typically completes paperwork verifying the diagnosis.
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