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May 16, 2008

State launches healthy woman initiative

Program helps uninsured with screening costs

BY BARBARA GREENBERG

DANVILLE — Routine checkups for women lead to routine screenings for breast and cervical cancer in those with health insurance.

But what about those women without insurance?

“Early detection of breast and cervical cancer is the key to survival,” Dr. Damon T. Arnold, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, said.

“The five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 98 per cent when detected early and cervical cancer can virtually be eliminated when detected early.”

On Oct. 1, 2007, Illinois became the first state to offer free breast and cervical cancer screening and low-cost treatment to all uninsured women in Illinois, according to Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s office.

Although more women have participated in the screenings since then, Illinois Department of Public Health launched several initiatives to encourage even more to do so. One took place Friday at Danville’s Aunt Martha’s Health Center.

Amanda Ziemniski, intake specialist with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, came to Danville in conjunction with National Women’s Health Week. Her objective was to inform women of the availability of the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.

Aunt Martha’s was chosen as the local site because it serves those without insurance, one of the criteria for eligibility in the state program.

Ridge Farm’s Debbie Leeman fit that requirement and was interested in learning more. Ziemniski explained the preliminary details to her.

“If you have no insurance, this pays for free mammograms, breast exams, pelvic exams and Pap tests,” she said. “We have multiple providers in this area, including Carle Clinic, Polyclinic and Provena United Samaritans Medical Center where you can go for free.”

Leeman grew more interested as Ziemniski explained that if further testing was needed, the program would pay for that, too. If cancer was detected, the program would enroll the patient on Medicaid for five years.

“We don’t just drop you if cancer is found,” she said. “We provide protection.”

Leeman chose to fill out the enrollment paperwork at home, an option many follow since proof of one-month’s household income must accompany the application. A toll-free number connects applicants with specialists who can answer any questions they may have.

“We come here because Vermilion County has the highest number of people in need of these services in the counties we serve,” Ziemniski said. The other counties include Champaign and McLean.

Certain age requirements apply to the program. Primarily, it is meant for women between 35- and 64-years-old. Even if a woman has already been diagnosed with cancer, she may receive free treatment if she qualifies.

That includes younger women, even those with two abnormal Pap tests or lumps in their breasts, according to Ziemniski.



FYI

To enroll in the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), call the Women’s Health Line at 1-888-522-1282.



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