Susan G. Komen® Applauds Expanding Access to Breast Cancer Treatment in Ohio

Additional Women Will Now Be Able To Gain Access To Ohio’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Project

Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, applauds Ohio State Senator Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) for her leadership on vitally important legislation that will enable more Ohio women to access treatment for breast and cervical cancer. Effective Sept. 30, 2021, the Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP) Medicaid Program will allow all eligible women access to breast and cervical cancer treatment services, regardless of where they received their initial screening.

Komen advocates for all women to have access to the tools and resources necessary to save their lives. It strongly believes that ensuring access to affordable, high-quality care for all patients increases the likelihood that they will have the ability to detect, diagnose and treat their breast cancer early - potentially saving their lives.

“A woman should not be denied access to life-saving treatment, simply because she walked through the ‘wrong door’,” said Molly Guthrie, Senior Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “Thanks to the leadership of Senator Gavarone and the Governor’s office, a breast cancer patient’s access to care will no longer be contingent on where she was screened.”

The legislation has expanded eligibility to BCCP to include treatment for Ohioans who meet all of the following conditions:

1. The woman was screened for breast or cervical cancer by a provider who either does not participate in or was not paid for the screening by the Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Project.
2. The woman is in need of treatment for breast or cervical cancer.
3. The woman has a countable income not exceeding 300 percent of the federal poverty level.
4. The woman is not covered by health insurance.
5. The woman is less than 65 years of age.

Patients who may meet these eligibility guidelines may contact the BCCP Regional Enrollment Agency 1-844-430-BCCP(2227).

Supporting this critical legislation is part of Komen’s ongoing effort to support Ohioans through public policy and advocacy, as well as a broad suite of direct patient services and investments in breakthrough research. People in need can call Komen’s free Helpline at 1-877-GO-KOMEN and receive guidance to resources and emotional help from trained oncology social workers. In addition, Komen provides financial assistance through a national Treatment Assistance Program. Learn more at komen.org/treatment-assistance-program/.