Blog

Fact: Breast cancer is easier to treat when detected early.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the NYCDCC Benefit Funds encourages our members to learn more about screening. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for American women. By being informed, keeping up with screenings, and spreading awareness throughout the community, we can all fight breast cancer, one screening at a time.

General Screening Guidelines

Below are breast cancer screening guidelines for women at average risk. As always, you should always consult your provider about what screening guidelines are best for you – especially if you have a family history of breast cancer.

Mammograms Are Covered as a Preventive Service

Screening mammography is covered as a preventive service for females age 40 and older or under the age of 40 with a family history of breast cancer or other breast cancer risk factors.

If you are under the age of 40 and have a risk of breast cancer, contact your provider to confirm you are eligible.

Schedule a Screening Today

Need help finding a provider or scheduling an appointment?

Active NYCDCC members and dependents – find a provider through Independence Administrators here

Medicare-Eligible retirees and dependents – find a provider through UnitedHealthcare here

You can also request an appointment through MSK here

Learn More

The NYCDCC Benefit Funds has launched the “This Is Not A Drill” Cancer Screening campaign to help NYCDCC families live longer, healthier lives.

Visit nyccbf.org/cancer to learn about available cancer screenings, determine which screenings may be appropriate for you, and find information on how to schedule them.

Note: Screening recommendations may vary based on an individual’s medical history or other risk factors, and members should follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations.

Preventive screening services are generally covered under the Fund’s health benefits. Please reach out to Member Services with any questions about coverage.

The Women’s Preventive Services Guidelines have been updated to expand access to breast cancer screening and related services. The NYCDCC Welfare Fund provides preventive breast cancer screening through Independence Blue Cross (IBX).

The Fund’s coverage includes:

• Annual screening mammograms beginning at age 35.
• For women at average risk, annual mammography screening beginning no later than age 40 and continuing through at least age 74.
• When medically appropriate to complete the screening process, additional imaging—such as an ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or additional mammography—and related pathology evaluations.

Qualifying preventive screening services are covered without member cost sharing when obtained from a participating provider and billed using the appropriate preventive diagnosis and procedure codes.

Cost sharing may apply when services are received from a non-participating provider, billed as diagnostic rather than preventive, exceed applicable frequency limits, or involve follow-up testing or treatment that does not qualify as preventive care.

Members should speak with their healthcare provider about the screening schedule appropriate for them based on their age, health history and individual risk factors. Before receiving services, members may also contact IBX at 1-833-242-3330 to confirm coverage and provider participation.

Fact: About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Signs & Symptoms

Prostate cancer often develops before symptoms occur. When symptoms appear, they may include:

–  Difficulty starting or stopping urination
–  Weak/slow urine flow
–  Pain during urination
–  Blood in urine or semen
–  Erectile Dysfunction

Get Screened at 45

Men 45 and older should discuss screening with their doctor.

A PSA test is a blood test that measures your level of prostate-specific antigen, a protein made in the prostate gland.

Why Getting Screened Matters

–  The results are a good predictor of your lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer
–  If you are at higher risk, your doctor can monitor you more closely
–  Prostate cancer is more curable when it’s caught early.

No-Cost Screening for Eligible NYCDCC Members

Eligible NYCDCC members and dependents who meet applicable screening guidelines may receive recommended in-network cancer screenings at no cost.

Schedule a Screening Today

Need help finding a provider or scheduling an appointment?

Active NYCDCC members and dependents – find a provider through Independence Administrators here

Medicare-Eligible retirees and dependents – find a provider through UnitedHealthcare here

You can also request an appointment through MSK here

Learn More

The NYCDCC Benefit Funds has launched the “This Is Not A Drill” Cancer Screening campaign to help NYCDCC families live longer, healthier lives.

Visit nyccbf.org/cancer to learn about available cancer screenings, determine which screenings may be appropriate for you, and find information on how to schedule them.

Note: Screening recommendations may vary based on an individual’s medical history or other risk factors, and members should follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations.

Preventive screening services are generally covered under the Fund’s health benefits. Please reach out to Member Services with any questions about coverage.