The North Dakota Colorectal Cancer Screening program aims to help eligible North Dakotans pay for colorectal cancer screenings.
Colorectal Cancer Quick Facts
- Colorectal cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths
- About 25-30% of colorectal cancer patients have a family history of the disease
- Colorectal cancer is very treatable, and even preventable, when detected early through a screening
Eligibility Requirements
- Men and women ages 45-64
- A resident of North Dakota
- Uninsured or underinsured
- Is at an average or increased risk for colorectal cancer
- Low-income
- Is due or past due for CRC screening
More Information
How do I enroll?
To enroll, or get more information, please contact:
- Quality Health Associates Enrollment Center – Statewide enrollment.
Call (833) 220-2981
Email ndcrc@qualityhealthnd.org
- Family HealthCare – You must be a patient of Family HealthCare to enroll in this program. Contact Erin Powers epowers@famhealthcare.org (701) 551-2459
Once you enroll, you’ll receive a 12-digit Initiative ID number from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. Present this number when you use Colorectal Screening Program service.
Income Guidelines
The Colorectal Screening Program requires your annual income to fall within 139 to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines:
| Persons in Household | Yearly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
2024 NDCRSI Guidelines | ||
Income 200% FPL | ||
1 | $30,120.00 | $2,510.00 |
2 | $40,880.00 | $3,406.67 |
3 | $51,640.00 | $4,303.33 |
4 | $62,400.00 | $5,200.00 |
5 | $73,160.00 | $6,096.67 |
6 | $83,920.00 | $6,993.33 |
7 | $94,680.00 | $7,890.00 |
8 | $105,440.00 | $8,786.67 |
| Each additional $10,760 per year Or $896.67 per month | ||
Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer risk factors include both things you can control and those you cannot such as lifestyle choices and genetic factors.
Factors you can control:
- Being overweight or obese
- A sedentary lifestyle
- A diet high in processed foods or red meat
- Smoking
- Alcohol use
Factors you cannot control:
- Your age
- Personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Personal history of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Type 2 diabetes
- Racial and ethnic background
Prevention
You can significantly reduce your risk for colorectal cancer by following these six tips:
- Get screened for colorectal cancer regularly
- Eat a balanced diet that includes whole grains, lean proteins, fruit and vegetables
- Exercise regularly
- Manage your weight
- Avoid smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption
Tests Covered by NDCRCSI Program
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT): These tests examine blood in the stool, which can show colorectal cancer
- mts-DNA Test, also known as Cologuard®: This test analyzes a stool sample to look for cancer. The DNA can show a need for a colonoscopy
- Colonoscopy: This test uses a small, flexible camera to examine the colon
FAQ
Can I get treatment through the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program?
No, the program only helps provide screening services
What does the program cover?
- Office visits where a CRC Screening test is ordered
- Colorectal Cancer screening as a shared decision between patient and provider
- Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
- mts-DNA (Cologuard)
- Colonoscopy
- Pre-op office visit, if required
- Limited lab work with pre-op visit
- Bowel prep in some instances, please ask enrollment specialist
- Analysis of any biopsies taken during the colonoscopy procedure
- Follow-up colonoscopy following a positive stool test
- Surveillance colorectal cancer screening at interval indicated by provider
Where can I find cancer treatment?
If you receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis, use the contact information here or visit North Dakota’s Medicaid website to learn about treatment and financial aid options
Contact Us
Individuals inquiring about ND Colorectal Cancer Screening eligibility can contact the enrollment center at 1-833-220-2981 or email at ndcrc@qualityhealthnd.org.