Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment (BCCT) Expansion
Through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) helps women with low incomes who do not have adequate insurance gain access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic, and treatment services.
In Missouri, the program is called Show Me Healthy Women and is administered through the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).
Until 2024, to qualify for MO HealthNet based on the need for BCCT, women needed to be screened for breast or cervical cancer by a Show Me Healthy Women provider.
New legislation was introduced in 2024 to allow women “who otherwise meet eligibility requirements for MO HealthNet medical assistance for treatment of breast or cervical cancer (to be) eligible for medical assistance regardless of whether the screening service was provided by a provider who receives or uses funds under that title.”
This language was passed in July 2024 and means women are no longer limited to Show Me Healthy Women providers to qualify for and receive this coverage.
More details on coverage, limitations, and participant eligibility can be found in the BCCT Expansion Presentation.