You may already know that 1 in 8 women will face a diagnosis of breast cancer in her lifetime. But did you know there’s one simple screening that saves lives, and that Holland Hospital offers a special fund to help those in need receive this vital test?
Established five years ago, the Holland Hospital Breast Care Fund offers assistance to individuals who are uninsured, underinsured or have high deductibles by covering the cost of screening mammograms and diagnostics, including ultrasounds and biopsies.
“The coverage for individuals without insurance is obvious, but those with little to no insurance, that’s a different—yet equally important—group,” said Alecia Jones, BSN, RN, OCN, CN-BN, Breast Nurse Navigator, Holland Hospital Breast Care. “Insurance companies are required to cover an annual screening mammogram, but if you’re called back for additional diagnostic imaging or require a biopsy, you may be left with significant out-of-pocket costs.”
Through the Holland Hospital Breast Care Fund, individuals facing worrisome costs like these can get help paying for them. To see if you or someone you love qualifies, all you have to do is fill out our confidential online application.
Since 2014, the Breast Care Fund has provided hundreds of screening and diagnostic mammograms and follow-up services to area women. “Often, funds like this will only cover a mammogram or more limited services,” Jones said. “What makes our fund special is that it covers most of the related services, from screening and diagnostic mammograms to ultrasounds, MRIs and biopsies. This includes Holland Hospital charges, the radiologist fees for reading images and any pathology costs if a biopsy is performed.”
Thanks to the generosity of so many personal donors and local businesses, as well as a $15,000 community grant awarded by Susan G. Komen Michigan, the Breast Care Fund continues to meet critical health needs across Ottawa County. Continued donations, regardless of the amount, help Holland Hospital make a meaningful difference in the lives of grandmothers, mothers, daughters, friends, coworkers and neighbors across our community.
Early Detection = Lifesaving Protection
According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early and in the localized stage, the five-year survival rate is 99%. If you’re a woman 40 or older, one simple screening can offer you lifesaving protection. Call Holland Hospital Breast Care at (616) 355-3865 to schedule your mammogram today.
Alecia Jones, BSN, RN, OCN
Alecia Jones is a highly trained oncology nurse with over 25 years of experience in cancer care in our community. As a Certified Breast Patient Navigator, she assists all Holland Hospital patients diagnosed with breast cancer.