Belleville, Ill (PRWEB) January 07, 2014
Allsup, a nationwide Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representation company, is raising awareness of the benefits of preventive care during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January. Vaccines to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the main cause of cervical cancer, make it the most preventable female cancer in the United States.
However, each year in the U.S. approximately 12,000 women are diagnosed and more than 4,000 die from cervical cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Half of these cases occur among women rarely or never screened for cancer.
The Papanicolaou (Pap) test detects cell changes on the cervix that might become cancerous if not treated. The CDC recommends women begin getting Pap tests at age 21 and every three years thereafter. Women over 30 may opt for an HPV test along with the Pap test. If both test results are normal, additional testing is not needed for five years.
Medicare Part B covers Pap tests and pelvic exams to check for cervical and vaginal cancer once every 24 months for all women. As part of the exam, Part B also covers a clinical breast exam to check for breast cancer. Women at high risk for cervical or vaginal cancer, or who are of childbearing age with an abnormal Pap test in the past 36 months, are eligible for screening tests once every 12 months.
Medicare beneficiaries will pay nothing for the lab Pap test, a specimen collection, pelvic exam and breast exam if the doctor accepts assignment.
The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides low-income, uninsured and underserved women access to breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. All 50 states and the District of Columbia offer women who are diagnosed with cancer in the NBCCEDP access to treatment through Medicaid.
When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and survivable. However, patients may not be able to continue working due to the need for treatment, rest and recovery, as well as the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. For women unable to return to work, SSDI benefits may be an important resource.
SSDI is a payroll tax-funded, federal insurance program designed to provide income to a disabled worker whose condition is expected to last for at least 12 months or is terminal. Individuals receiving SSDI benefits are eligible for Medicare 24 months after their cash benefits begin. More information on SSDI is available here. Speak with a disability evaluation specialist by calling (888) 841-2126 or visiting Expert.Allsup.com.
Additional information on the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program is available at http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp.
ABOUT ALLSUP
Allsup is a nationwide provider of Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal, Medicare and Medicare Secondary Payer compliance services for individuals, employers and insurance carriers. Allsup professionals deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. Founded in 1984, the company is based in Belleville, Ill., near St. Louis. For more information, go to http://www.Allsup.com or visit Allsup on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Allsupinc.
