Maine CDC Breast and Cervical Health Program (MBCHP)

The Maine CDC Breast and Cervical Health Program (MBCHP) is funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), and with Maine General Fund dollars. Maine first received CDC funding in the fall of 1994 and began providing early detection services in 1995. The mission of the MBCHP is to provide breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to underserved women, to provide public and professional education, and to support community partnerships to enhance statewide cancer control activities.

The Maine CDC Breast and Cervical Health Program (MBCHP) is not a Qualified Health Plan, and does not meet the definition of “Minimum Essential Coverage” for required insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Printable letter to use if your insurance company requires verification that Maine CDC Breast and Cervical Health Program (MBCHP) does not qualify as insurance.

MBCHP will pay for a breast and/or cervical cancer screening office visit performed at one of our designated network service locations. You will be given options to choose a service location during enrollment or re-enrollment.Your office visit must be performed at the service location you choose during enrollment/re-enrollment AND include one of the following preventive cancer screening services:

  • a Clinical Breast Exam and/or;
  • a Pelvic exam and/or;
  • a Pap test alone or;
  • a Pap test and high-risk HPV test (HPV co-testing)

MBCHP will pay for a screening Mammogram (at MBCHP participating Mammography locations).

MBCHP also covers limited diagnostic or follow-up services. (see Important Information about Follow-up Testing)

Please note: Uninsured women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer or undergoing treatment for breast or cervical cancer may qualify for MaineCare. Please call MBCHP for more information.

Covered Services Brochure: PDF (printer friendly)

Program Information Brochure: PDF

Spanish Language Program Information: PDF

I now have health insurance:  Can MBCHP still help me?

Even if you now have health insurance, you may still need some help from the MBCHP:

  • Yes, the Affordable Care Act requires all health insurance plans to cover preventive services at no cost to you.  This means your plan will now pay for your preventive cancer screening mammogram and Pap test.
  • But, based on the results of your preventive cancer screening mammogram and Pap screening tests, your doctor may recommend you have follow-up tests.  In this case, your health plan may apply these charges to your unmet deductible and would leave you with “out-of-pocket” expenses. Your provider will bill you for the balance of what your insurance did not pay. MBCHP covers these follow-up tests:

(see /dhhs/mecdc/population-health/bcp/covered-services-faqs.htm)

With or without health insurance, to enroll in the MBCHP you must:

  • Be a Maine woman age 40 or older, with the following exceptions:
    • Women 35-39 who have seen a doctor and need follow-up tests for a possible breast or cervical cancer ; or
    • Women 35-39 who have not had a Pap test in 5 or more years.
  • Have household income less than or equal to 250% of the current Federal Poverty Level (FPL);
  • Health insurance with high deductibles, co-insurance, co-pays, or premiums.
  • Women receiving MaineCare or Medicare Part B are not eligible for MBCHP.

Still not sure?  Call the MBCHP to discuss if the program can help you:  1-800-350-5180...Press 1

If you'd like more details or would like information about: eligibility for the program.

If you'd like to view enrollment frequently asked questions (FAQ): questions about enrollment.

If you'd like to view covered services frequently asked questions (FAQ): questions about our covered services.

I have been diagnosed with breast/cervical cancer:  Can MBCHP help me?

  • If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, MBCHP will determine if you qualify for the MaineCare Treatment Act or other resources for treatment support services and see separate Tab (Treatment Act) on this webpage.
  • View brochure: MaineCare Treatment Act informational brochure
  • Call the MBCHP to discuss if the program can help you:  1-800-350-5180...Press 1

Department Of Health and Human Services
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Maine State Seal
Maine CDC Breast and Cervical Health Program (MBCHP)
11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011

Contact: Rebcca Lambert - Program Manager
Phone: 1-207-287-3262
E-mail: rebecca.lambert@maine.gov
Additional Contact Options

Updated June 13, 2024