Governor expands cancer screenings

Illinois will expand its breast and cervical cancer screening program to cover all women without insurance in another move by Gov. Rod Blagojevich to increase access after his health care agenda failed in the General Assembly.

The expansion, announced Thursday and effective Monday, will make screening and treatment available to 260,000 more women. They need only be uninsured to qualify -- their income levels no longer matter, according to the governor's office.

"I wish we can say that this was legislation that we were able to pass in state government, but unfortunately with all the different dynamics that take place there, sometimes the most obvious good things just don't happen," Blagojevich said at a Chicago hospital before heading to Belleville, Mt. Vernon and Peoria to publicize the expanded program.

Lawmakers refused to pay for Blagojevich's agenda on health care, education and debt reduction with a business tax increase proposed by the governor, which would have been the largest tax increase in state history. So the Democratic governor has used his veto powers to cut $463 million from the state budget and has promised to add or expand government health care services to the tune of more than $400 million.

In August, Blagojevich detailed plans to expand the state's health insurance coverage for sick or injured young adults after their coverage through All Kids ends on their 19th birthday.

Blagojevich said expanding the women's cancer screening program could cost about $50 million. His spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff said that would be the total cost of the program if all eligible women get screened and treated.

"We're paying for it by the vetoes of pork-barrel projects and other special-interest spending that I vetoed in the budget," Blagojevich said.

Under the program, all uninsured women between the ages of 40 and 64 can get free mammograms and breast exams, and those between the ages of 35 and 64 can get pelvic exams and Pap tests to check for cervical cancer. Women 65 and over are covered by Medicare.

Women who are diagnosed with cancer can get treatment paid for through coverage from the department of Healthcare and Family Services, according to the governor's office.

Sharon Mays of Chicago said the program was a lifesaver for her. The 41-year-old's breast cancer was discovered last summer after she went to a city health department clinic. Mays, who didn't have insurance, said the state program has paid for her screening and subsequent treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

"I wouldn't have had the money," she said.

Women can get information about the program by calling (888) 522-1282.