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KHN contributing columnist Michelle Andrews writes the series , which explores health care coverage and costs.
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A. You’re in a tough spot. Under the health care law, most health plans must cover by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force without any out-of-pocket cost to patients. The services covered include colonoscopies to screen for colorectal cancer.
But if you don’t have health insurance, you can’t take advantage of the free preventive care provisions. Even if you did have coverage, because you have symptoms, your colonoscopy would be considered a diagnostic procedure rather than a standard screening, and that wouldn’t generally qualify as a preventive service under the law.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention runs a program that offers , although rules for eligibility can vary by state. There may also be local programs in your area. Call the American Cancer Society National Cancer Information Center (1-800-ACS-2345) for information, or check with your state health department, says Alissa Crispino, a spokesperson for the ACS Cancer Action Network.
This story was updated at 5:30 p.m. to add that state can set rules for eligibility for the CDC program.
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