PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Health is expanding eligibility for its All Women Count! program, making more women eligible for free breast and cervical cancer screening services.
Beginning September 1st, women ages 21 to 64 who meet income requirements will be eligible for cervical cancer screenings through the program. Previously, eligibility began at age 30.
The expansion also allows women ages 21 to 29 with symptoms that could indicate breast cancer, such as a breast lump, to receive diagnostic services. Breast cancer screening and diagnostic services will continue to be available for eligible women ages 40 to 64, as well as younger women considered at high risk.
Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt says the changes will help more women access early detection services, regardless of whether they have adequate health insurance coverage.
The All Women Count! program provides screening and diagnostic services at no cost to qualifying women who are uninsured or underinsured and have household incomes at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level.
