How to Get a Free or Low-Cost Mammogram in the Sacramento Valley

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to remind the women in our lives, and ourselves, that regular screening matters.

At the start of the month, we welcomed neighbors to Peach Tree Health – Linda on Oct. 2 for a mobile mammogram screening day with Partnership HealthPlan of California and Alinea Medical Imaging. Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our partners for making the day possible.

If you couldn’t make it, we’d love to see you at our next screening day in Yuba City on Nov. 10. We’re here to help you find a way to get screened that fits your life and your budget.

What We Want You to Know

  • Most insurance covers screening at 40 and up: If you’re 40 or older and have no breast symptoms, your insurance or Medi-Cal will usually pay for a routine mammogram.
  • Under 40, start with your doctor: Your doctor can help you decide if earlier screening is right for you based on your family history.
  • Free screening is available if you qualify: California’s Every Woman Counts program covers mammograms for eligible women with low income and little or no insurance.
  • Another screening day is coming up: Join us at Peach Tree Health – Yuba City on Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (530) 749-3242 to save your spot.
  • We can help you take the next step: Our team can answer your questions, help you sign up for insurance, and guide you toward screening.

Join Us on Nov. 10 in Yuba City

We’re partnering again with Partnership HealthPlan of California and Alinea Medical Imaging to bring a mobile mammogram unit right to our Yuba City health center.

When: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Peach Tree Health – Yuba City, 1275 Tharp Road, Yuba City, CA 95993
To schedule: Call (530) 749-3242

Here’s what to know before your appointment:

  • If you’re 40 or older and have no breast symptoms, your mammogram is usually covered by insurance.
  • If you’re under 40, you’ll need an order from your doctor. If you’re under 30, your doctor’s order will need to explain why you’re at higher risk, such as a strong family history or a BRCA gene change.
  • If your insurance won’t cover a mammogram before 40, you can choose to pay on your own.
  • Many HMO and PPO plans are accepted. Our team can help you check your coverage when you call.
  • If you don’t have insurance, you may be able to get your mammogram for free through Every Woman Counts.
  • You’ll receive your results within 14 business days.

Why a Mammogram Matters

A mammogram is a quick X-ray of the breast that can find cancer early, often before you’d notice any changes yourself. Finding it early gives you more treatment choices and a better chance of a full recovery. It’s a small step that protects you and the people who count on you.

Experts recommend that most women start getting mammograms at age 40. Your doctor can help you decide how often to go based on your health and history.

If you’re younger than 40, you may still benefit from a mammogram if breast cancer runs in your family or you carry a gene change such as BRCA. In that case, you’ll start with an order from your doctor. Insurance may cover less before 40, so it’s a good idea to ask about cost ahead of time.

Free Mammograms Through Every Woman Counts

Cost should never stand between you and your health. Every Woman Counts is a California program that offers free breast and cervical cancer screening, plus follow-up testing if you need it. You may qualify for a free mammogram if you:

  • Live in California
  • Are 40 or older, or younger than 40 and at high risk for breast cancer
  • Have a low household income
  • Have no insurance or limited insurance

You can call Every Woman Counts at 1-800-511-2300 or visit the Every Woman Counts website to see if you qualify and find a clinic near you.

If you don’t have insurance, you may also qualify for Medi-Cal. Our enrollment team would be glad to help you apply at any of our health centers.

Your Mammogram Questions, Answered

Do I need a referral for a mammogram?

It depends on your age, your insurance, and the imaging center. If you’re under 40, you’ll need an order from your doctor. If you’re 40 or older, some imaging centers will schedule a routine screening without one, and some insurance plans require one. Our team can help you figure out what you need.

How long does a mammogram take?

The whole exam usually takes about 20 minutes, and the X-ray itself only takes a few minutes. Give yourself a little extra time for check-in so you can feel settled before your exam.

Can I get a free mammogram if I have Medi-Cal?

Yes. Medi-Cal covers screening mammograms at no cost to you.

We’re Here When You’re Ready

Call Peach Tree Health at (530) 749-3242 to schedule your mammogram for our November 10 screening day in Yuba City. Our friendly team can also answer your questions about coverage and help you sign up for insurance. If you’d rather write, send us a message online.

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