Always confirm costs with your healthcare facility and/or insurance coverage
A mammogram is a critical screening tool for detecting breast cancer early, but the cost can vary based on insurance coverage, the type of mammogram, and where you get it done.
Let’s break down the cost of a mammogram, the differences between screening and diagnostic tests, and ways to reduce expenses.
How Much Does a Mammogram Cost?
Type of Mammogram |
Cost Without Insurance |
Cost With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
Screening Mammogram (Routine Preventive Checkup) |
$100 – $250 |
Often fully covered |
Diagnostic Mammogram (For Symptoms or Follow-Up) |
$250 – $500+ |
$0 – $200 |
3D Mammogram (Tomosynthesis) |
$150 – $400 |
$0 – $200 |
Breast Ultrasound (If Needed for Further Testing) |
$150 – $500 |
$50 – $250 |
Breast MRI (For High-Risk Patients) |
$1,000 – $3,000 |
$500 – $1,500 |
🔹 Screening mammograms are often free with insurance, while diagnostic mammograms and additional imaging may have out-of-pocket costs.
Screening vs. Diagnostic Mammogram: What’s the Difference?
Screening Mammogram |
Diagnostic Mammogram |
|---|---|
Routine checkup for early detection |
Used to investigate breast symptoms |
Usually covered by insurance at 100% |
May require a copay or deductible |
Recommended annually for women 40+ |
Ordered if there’s a lump, pain, or abnormal screening results |
🔹 If a screening mammogram finds something unusual, a diagnostic mammogram may be required, which costs more.
Mammogram Costs by Location
Location |
Average Cost Without Insurance |
|---|---|
Hospital (Outpatient Facility) |
$250 – $500 |
Private Imaging Center |
$100 – $300 |
Planned Parenthood or Women’s Health Clinics |
Free – Low-Cost |
Mobile Mammography Units |
Free – $150 |
🔹 Independent imaging centers tend to be cheaper than hospitals, and some clinics provide low-cost or free mammograms for those who qualify.
Does Insurance Cover Mammograms?
Insurance Type |
Screening Mammogram Coverage |
Diagnostic Mammogram Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Employer/Private Insurance |
Fully covered (one per year for 40+) |
Deductible/copay applies |
Medicare (Part B) |
Fully covered (annually for 40+) |
20% coinsurance applies |
Medicaid |
Fully covered |
Coverage varies by state |
No Insurance |
$100 – $500+ |
Full cost required |
🔹 Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most insurance plans must cover screening mammograms at 100% for women over 40 years old.
Ways to Get a Low-Cost or Free Mammogram
- Check local health programs – Many states offer free screenings for uninsured women.
- Visit a Planned Parenthood or women’s health clinic – Some offer low-cost or free mammograms.
- Look for mobile mammography units – These traveling clinics provide lower-cost screenings in underserved areas.
- Use an FSA or HSA – If your insurance doesn’t fully cover it, you can use tax-free dollars to pay.
- Check the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) – Provides free or low-cost screenings for eligible women.
Is a Mammogram Worth the Cost?
Early detection of breast cancer significantly increases survival rates, making mammograms a valuable investment in health.
Stage Detected |
5-Year Survival Rate |
|---|---|
Stage 1 (Early Detection) |
99% |
Stage 3 (Advanced) |
72% |
Stage 4 (Late-Stage) |
30% |
🔹 Regular screenings can catch cancer early, leading to better outcomes and lower long-term medical costs.
Final Thoughts
A mammogram costs between $100 and $500 without insurance, but most insured women can get a screening for free.
- Annual screenings are covered for women over 40 under most insurance plans.
- Diagnostic mammograms cost more but may be partially covered if needed.
- Low-cost or free options exist through government and nonprofit programs.
If cost is a concern, look for clinics, nonprofit organizations, or mobile mammography programs that offer discounted or free screenings.
Have you had a mammogram recently? How much did it cost? Share your experience in the comments.
For real-world healthcare pricing insights, visit CostHowMuch.com. 😊
