You can get a mammogram without insurance through several routes, often for free. The most widely available option is the CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which covers screening mammograms at no cost for uninsured women aged 40 to 64 with household incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. Beyond that, nonprofit organizations, hospital financial assistance programs, and mobile mammography vans can all bring costs down to zero or close to it.
The CDC’s National Screening Program
The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) is the largest government-funded option for uninsured women. It covers both screening and diagnostic mammograms, meaning if your initial screening finds something that needs a closer look, those follow-up costs are covered too. The program operates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, several U.S. territories, and through 13 American Indian and Alaska Native tribal organizations.
To qualify, you generally need to be between 40 and 64, uninsured or underinsured, and have a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. For a single person in 2024, that’s roughly $36,450 per year. Individual state programs have some flexibility to adjust these thresholds, so yours may set a lower income cap or a higher minimum age (some start at 50). A few programs also allow women younger than 40 who are symptomatic or at high risk to receive services.
To find your local program, search “NBCCEDP” along with your state name, or call the CDC at 1-800-232-4636. A coordinator will walk you through the eligibility check and help you schedule an appointment with a provider in the network.
Nonprofit Organizations That Fund Mammograms
Several national nonprofits help cover mammogram costs directly. The National Breast Cancer Foundation provides free mammograms and diagnostic services through a network of participating facilities. The United Breast Cancer Foundation offers similar free or low-cost screening assistance. The American Breast Cancer Foundation runs a financial assistance program specifically for screening.
Susan G. Komen operates a Patient Care Center with navigators who can connect you to local screening resources, help you find financial assistance, and guide you through the process step by step. You can reach the Breast Care Helpline at 1-877-465-6636 or email [email protected]. Their navigators provide personalized support, including help with transportation, education, and emotional support, all at no cost.
Planned Parenthood locations also offer free or low-cost breast cancer screening, typically on a sliding fee scale based on your income. Not every location has mammography equipment on site, but staff can refer you to a partner facility and help coordinate reduced-cost imaging.
Hospital Financial Assistance Programs
Most hospitals are required to offer some form of charity care or financial assistance, and mammograms are commonly covered under these programs. Eligibility varies by hospital, but the typical income threshold for free care falls around 200% of the federal poverty level for uninsured patients. If you already receive benefits like SNAP, WIC, or a low-income energy assistance program, many hospitals will consider you presumptively eligible without requiring additional financial documentation.
The key step is asking. Call the billing or financial counseling department of your nearest hospital or imaging center before your appointment. Ask specifically about their financial assistance policy for uninsured patients. You’ll usually need to fill out a short application and provide proof of income, such as a recent pay stub or tax return. Some facilities approve applications within a few days, while others take a couple of weeks, so plan ahead.
Mobile Mammography Vans
Mobile mammography units travel to workplaces, community centers, churches, and health fairs, bringing screening directly to areas where access is limited. These vans use the same digital mammography equipment found in hospitals and are staffed by licensed technologists. Many offer free screenings, particularly when sponsored by a hospital system or nonprofit partner.
To find a van near you, check with your local hospital system’s website or call their scheduling line. You can also search the Komen or National Breast Cancer Foundation websites for community screening events in your area. Mobile units are especially useful if transportation or taking time off work is a barrier, since they often operate on evenings and weekends in convenient locations.
What a Mammogram Costs If You Pay Cash
If none of the above options work for your situation, paying out of pocket is still manageable. A standard screening mammogram typically costs between $100 and $250 at independent imaging centers, which tend to charge less than hospitals. Some facilities offer a cash-pay discount if you ask upfront. Call a few places in your area and compare prices, because the variation can be significant even within the same city.
The bigger financial risk comes if your screening turns up something that needs further investigation. A diagnostic mammogram, which takes additional images and often includes an ultrasound, costs more. If you’re using a program like the NBCCEDP or a nonprofit, make sure you understand whether diagnostic follow-up is also covered before you schedule your screening. The CDC program does cover diagnostics, which is one reason it’s the strongest option for uninsured women.
When and How Often to Get Screened
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women start screening mammograms at age 40 and continue every two years through age 74. Biennial screening (every other year) strikes the best balance between catching cancers early and minimizing unnecessary follow-up tests. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your provider may recommend starting earlier or screening more frequently.
Women over 64 are generally covered through Medicare. However, if you have Medicare Part A only and haven’t enrolled in Part B, you may still qualify for NBCCEDP services to fill that gap.
Steps to Take Right Now
- Check NBCCEDP first. Search your state’s program online or call 1-800-232-4636. This is the most comprehensive option, covering both screening and diagnostic services.
- Call local hospitals. Ask the financial counseling department about charity care for mammograms. If you receive SNAP, WIC, or similar benefits, mention that upfront.
- Contact Komen’s helpline. A navigator at 1-877-465-6636 can identify every available resource in your area and help coordinate your appointment.
- Search for mobile vans. Check your local hospital system’s events calendar or the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s website for upcoming community screening dates.
- Compare cash prices. If you don’t qualify for assistance, call two or three independent imaging centers and ask for their self-pay rate. The difference between facilities can be $100 or more.