(New Philadelphia, Ohio) – Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, it is a great time to discuss the Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP).

BCCP was introduced by the Medicaid program around 2002.  The eligibility for this program is quite restricted and new rules under the Ohio Administrative Code 5160:1-5-02.2, have also changed effective 1/1/2018.  The BCCP administration is coordinated between the Ohio Department of Medicaid and the Ohio Department of Health.

To be eligible for the BCCP program under changes in the above rule; (1) An individual must have been screened for breast or cervical cancer under the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program; (2) Must be uninsured. To be considered uninsured, an individual must not qualify for any other type of Medicaid coverage. Individuals eligible for and receiving, Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B will classify as having credible coverage, thus making those Medicare recipients ineligible for BCCP; and (3) must meet the age requirements.  The 2018 rule changes have extended the age range for BCCP eligibility from age 21 to 64 for Cervical Cancer and age 25 to 64 for Breast Cancer.

Applications for BCCP are submitted to the Ohio Department of Health and then forwarded to the Ohio Department of Medicaid for processing.   All individuals wishing to apply for this program are encouraged to contact their local county Department of Health or The Ohio Department of Health, BBCP Program, at 1-844-430-BCCP.

As part of this exclusive Newsymom.com series, in 2018 Tuscarawas County Job & Family Services will provide a monthly article that targets important issues affecting local parents and children.