Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000

On October 24, 2000, President William Clinton signed into law the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-354). (PDF-115KB) This Act gives states the option to provide medical assistance through Medicaid to eligible women who were screened for and found to have breast or cervical cancer, including precancerous conditions, through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP).

On January 15, 2002, President Bush signed the Native American Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Technical Amendment Act of 2001 (Public Law No. 107-121). (PDF-33KB) This bill amends title XIX of the Social Security Act to clarify that Indian women with breast or cervical cancer who are eligible for health services provided under a medical care program of the Indian Health Service or of a tribal organization are included in the optional Medicaid eligibility category of breast or cervical cancer patients added by the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000.

NBCCEDP, which is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides free breast and cervical cancer screening and follow-up diagnostic services to women in need, such as those who are uninsured or have low incomes. In 2000, CDC began its 10th year of this landmark program, supporting early detection programs in all 50 states, 6 U.S. territories, the District of Columbia, and 12 American Indian and Alaska Native organizations.

As of May 2004, all states have completed all steps required to accept the new Medicaid option.

Medicaid Plan Revisions as of 1/10/03
The Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson has approved a total of 48 states' and the District of Columbia's proposals to expand Medicaid benefits to uninsured women who are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through a federal screening program. For additional information, read the press release.

Contacts for More Information

• NBCCEDP Contacts
  NBCCEDP contacts can answer questions regarding NBCCEDP program eligibility, as well as provide information about locations where services are offered.



• CMS
  As the administering agency for Medicaid, CMS can provide additional information.
• Mammography
• Cervical Cancer Screening
• State and Federal Medicaid Contacts


• National Conference of State Legislatures
  State Legislation Relating to the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000*

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