Operation Access (California)
Operation Access works with FQHCs, gastroenterologists and other health care professionals to provide free outpatient surgical procedures and diagnostic services care for low-income and uninsured patients (i.e., those who aren’t enrolled in Medi-Cal and earn less than 400% of the federal poverty level), including colonoscopy. It helps patients who have cancer get applicable care (Medi-Cal). Operation Access is funded with grants from health systems and county medical services programs. Operation Access has created memorandum of understanding templates for the health care professionals and facilities that donate their services. Contact Operation Access at (415) 733-0052 or [email protected].
Kentucky CRC Screening & Prevention Program (KCCSP)
KCCSP offers free colon cancer screening for eligible low income people who are uninsured at 14 health departments across the state. It uses a combination of FIT and colonoscopy. Eligible patients who are at average risk of CRC receive an annual FIT test and patients who have an abnormal result are referred for a colonoscopy. High-risk patients (i.e., family history, symptoms) are referred directly for a colonoscopy. KCCSP is funded by the state and the Kentucky Cancer Foundation. It features a patient navigation component, which has resulted in a 90% FIT completion rate.
Kentucky Colon Cancer Screening Program Website
Colorectal Cancer Prevention Network at the University of South Carolina
This is a resource for partner clinics to help medically underserved patients get screened for CRC. This includes CRC screening for average risk patients and follow-up colonoscopies for those who have an abnormal FIT result at no cost for eligible patients. Patients have 24/7 access to patient navigators who address any concerns or barriers. Contact CCPN at [email protected] for additional information or to partner with the CCPN screening program.
CCPN at the University of South Carolina Website
Colorectal Cancer Alliance
CCA offers a Screening Support Program and the Blue Hope Financial Assistance program, which provide resources and potential financial stipends (up to $300) for screenings or low-cost colonoscopies/FIT tests for eligible low-income individuals. Patients can call the CCA helpline to talk to navigators who will help them determine their eligibility and connect them with local services.
CCA Financial Assistance Web Page
CCA Helpline
(877) 422-2030
Federally Qualified Health Centers/Community Health Centers
FQHCs provide primary and preventive care – including cancer screening – on a sliding fee scale based on a patient’s income, making them accessible regardless of insurance status.
HRSA Health Center Finder Tool
ColonoscopyAssist
ColonoscopyAssist offers low-cost colonoscopies through a network of facilities that provide transparent pricing, free bowel preparation medicine and interest-free payment plans for those with financial hardship (i.e., underinsured and self-pay individuals). This program is funded through a combination of patient payments for services, private donations and partnerships with health care organizations and government programs. ColonoscopyAssist is an Assist Health program, which is described as “having a philanthropic approach, working to break even rather than generate profit from its services.”
American Cancer Society
ACS partners with organizations like Color Health to provide free at-home Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kits in certain rural and underserved communities through FQHCs. ACS also offers guidance on local and state resources. The ACS 24/7 telephone helpline features specialists who provide information and support and can connect patients with specific programs and other organizations that may offer direct financial help.
American Cancer Society Website
ACS Cancer Helpline (24/7)
(800) 227-2345
State Health Departments
Many state and local health departments offer free or low-cost screening programs for residents (e.g., FIT tests or colonoscopies) that are designed to break down financial and logistical barriers (e.g., cost, the need for time off work). Eligibility often depends on income and age. The USA.gov website features a directory that includes details about state and local programs.
USA.gov State Health Offices Directory
Hospitals and Clinics
Local hospitals or clinics host free cancer screening events or have specific community outreach programs. It is worth contacting their social work or patient navigation departments to ask about the options that are available.