St. Clair Hospital offers free mammograms
Patty Munz discussed her difficulties on paying out of pocket for healthcare while getting a hand massage.
Gwen Archibald was one of 40 women without health insurance who received free mammograms.
Carroll Banker hasn’t had health insurance since 2011, and had not received a mammogram since then.
After a June survey in the South Hills, major types of lung, colon and breast cancers were among top concerns for residents seeking care.
With breast cancer the number one concern, St. Clair Hospital then provided free mammograms for 40 uninsured women on Sept. 20, and representatives said there will be more programs like this over the next few years to draw attention to underserved areas and diseases.
“If any positive screenings are found, we’ve promised to see them through care here at the hospital as well,” community outreach coordinator Marianne Olschesky said.
The low-radiation X-rays used to spot cancerous growths are recommended once a year for women 40 and older, or, if a woman has a family history of cancer. Physical exams and self-exams are advised to all women 20 and older at least once a year.
“A physical exam shouldn’t take the place of a mammogram, and self-checks shouldn’t replace a doctor’s exam either,” oncology nurse specialist Heather Martorella said.
Carroll Banker, 63, of Dormont, was one of the women who responded to the mail notice that the program was offered and came in for the free exam.
“My company was downsized in 2011 and I was let go,” the former office administrator said. “I haven’t had a mammogram since then, so this was important.”
Having no insurance, she said blood work has been most expensive among all of her medical costs.
“I’ll be eligible for Medicare next year, but I’m in this Obamacare gap with my age, work eligibility and all these factors. I’m hanging on.”
“Obamacare is ridiculous,” Patty Munz said.
“I’m looking at $149 a month with a $5,500 deductible. I’m telling the agent, ‘now where is that $5,500 going to come from first when I’m unemployed and there’s an emergency?,'” the 56-year-old former medical billing agent said.
Munz was laid off two years ago and like Banker, that was the last time she was able to get a mammogram. The irony that her former vocation is now her bureaucratic obstacle was not lost on Munz.
“I’ve got no emergency plan and fortunately I’ve had no health problems since then, but I’m not going to the doctor. I’m doing everything I would have told others and myself two years ago not to do,” Munz said. “I’m not going on welfare. It’s not worth it. I’ve been doing odd jobs here and there, but looking for steady work in the evening so I can take care of my mother. That’s what I’m worried about right now.”