You should consult with your health care provider if you believe you are at higher risk. Most health plans must cover breast cancer screenings and preventive services for women for your provider to assess whether you have a family history that puts you at higher risk for certain genetic mutations that are associated with increased risk of breast cancer (BRCA1 and BRCA2). If your provider determines that you are at increased risk for genetic mutations, your plan must cover the full cost of genetic counseling and genetic testing if recommended. If you have one of these genetic mutations, your insurer is also required to cover the full cost of certain preventive medications which can greatly reduce your risk of getting breast or ovarian cancer.

Plans must cover screening mammography every one to two years for women ages 40 – 74, without cost sharing as well as preventive medications and genetic screening services for women of younger ages who are at higher risk for breast cancer. Talk to your health care provider about whether these services would be beneficial to you. If your provider recommends them based on your family history or other risk factors, then you should be eligible for full coverage.

Some health plans are not required to cover contraception. Click here for more information.