NHF expands mammogram subsidy

The NHF currently offers the mammogram subsidy for women forty and over and, with this expansion, aims to promote earlier detection, improve treatment outcomes, and ultimately save more lives.

High-risk women aged 30 to 40 years may access the mammogram benefit if they are identified by their doctor as being at increased risk for breast cancer. These women must submit a letter from their doctor to the NHF Customer Care Department at least three business days before their scheduled mammogram to allow enough time for the request to be processed.

While male breast cancer is less common, this targeted addition ensures that at-risk men who have a strong family history of breast cancer can access timely, life-saving screening.

The eligibility criteria for men and high-risk women are in keeping with international screening guidelines for breast cancer.  

Chief Executive Officer of the NHF, Everton Anderson, said the expansion of the mammogram benefit is aimed at removing financial barriers to screening and supporting the early detection of breast cancer. "Our goal is to make breast cancer screening more accessible, particularly for those at higher risk," Anderson said. "By reducing the cost of mammograms for high-risk women and for men, breast cancer can be detected earlier, when it is most treatable”. Early detection not only improves health outcomes but can also reduce the need for more extensive treatment later.

The NHF is encouraging eligible women and men to take advantage of these new benefits. Existing NHFCard holders automatically qualify for the mammogram benefit. Persons applying only for the mammogram benefit do not need to have one of the chronic diseases covered by the NHFCard. However, a Tax Registration Number (TRN) is required to apply.