Free women's screenings
One yearly visit. No cost if you qualify.
A well woman exam is your yearly checkup built around women's health.
It is where most free screenings happen, from breast and cervical checks to blood pressure.
EAESSI helps uninsured women in Virginia find a free visit and book it.
Free screeningsFor uninsured Virginia women who qualify
What happens
No surprises. Here is the whole visit.
Knowing what happens at a well woman exam makes it easier to book one.
What happens at a well woman exam?
A well woman exam starts with questions about your health and family history. Your provider checks your blood pressure and weight. You may also get a breast exam, a pelvic exam and any screenings you are due for at your age.
Talk
Your provider asks about your periods, medicines and family history, which shapes your free screenings.
Check
Blood pressure, weight and a breast exam. A pelvic exam if you need one.
Screen
A Pap smear if you are due. A mammogram referral if you are 40 or older.
Plan
Vaccines you need, results to watch for and when to come back.
Which screenings
Your age decides the list. Here is yours.
These are the common free screenings offered at each stage of life. Your provider may add others based on your history.
In your 20s
A Pap smear every 3 years from age 21. Blood pressure at every visit.
In your 30s
A Pap every 3 years or an HPV test every 5 years. Ask about diabetes testing if you carry extra weight.
Ages 40 to 64
A mammogram every other year plus cervical screening. Ask about cholesterol and diabetes checks.
65 and older
Mammograms continue to 74. Bone density testing starts. Ask whether you can stop Pap tests.
Want the details? Read our guides to the Pap smear and breast health and screening.
Who we help
Which one of these sounds like you?
Most women who call us have put off preventive care and free screenings for a reason that made sense at the time.
"I haven't seen a doctor in years."
Start with one visit. We help you find where to go and what to ask for.
"I lost my coverage."
Losing insurance does not mean losing care. Every Woman's Life covers breast and cervical screening for women who qualify.
"I don't have a regular doctor."
A community health center or free clinic can become your medical home. We point you to one near you.
"I'm worried about follow up costs."
If a screening finds something, Every Woman's Life covers the tests needed to reach a final diagnosis.
Every Woman's LifeBreast and cervical screening for women who qualify
What is covered
Free means free. Here is what is covered.
Free screenings for uninsured women come from a few places. The state program is the best place to start.
Can uninsured women get free screenings in Virginia?
Yes. The main source of free screenings is Every Woman's Life, which gives women who qualify a clinical breast exam, mammogram, pelvic exam and Pap test at no cost, according to the Virginia Department of Health. It serves Virginia residents 18 to 64 who are uninsured and meet income limits.
- Clinical breast exam
- Mammogram
- Pelvic exam
- Pap test
Who may qualify
- Virginia residents 18 to 64
- Uninsured
- Meet income limits
Women 18 to 39 need symptoms or a high risk to qualify for the state program.
For checks like cholesterol and diabetes, community health centers charge on a sliding scale based on income. Some free clinics charge nothing at all. We help you find both kinds of free screenings.
Before your visit
Bring five things. Leave with answers.
A little prep turns a short well woman exam into a useful one and helps you qualify for free screenings faster.
ID and address
A photo ID and a bill or lease that shows where you live.
Proof of income
Pay stubs or a benefits letter help with program eligibility.
Your medicines
A list of anything you take, including vitamins.
Family history
Note any breast, cervical or other cancers in your family.
Your questions
Write them down so nothing gets missed.
Come preparedFive things make your visit count
Common questions
Quick answers before you book.
Want help booking a visit?
Reach out and we will check your options and help you schedule a visit.
Is a well woman exam the same as a physical?
They overlap. A well woman exam focuses more on breast, cervical and reproductive health.
How often should I get a well woman exam?
Once a year is common. Some tests inside the visit, like Pap smears, are needed less often.
Do I need a Pap smear at every visit?
No. Most women need one every 3 to 5 years, based on age and test type. See our Pap smear guide.
Who qualifies for free screenings?
For free screenings, Virginia residents 18 to 64 who are uninsured and meet income limits may qualify for Every Woman's Life. Women under 40 need symptoms or a high risk.
What if I have insurance with a high deductible?
Most plans cover a yearly preventive care visit at no cost to you. Call your plan to confirm before you book.
Can EAESSI help me book?
Yes. Reach out and we will check your options and help you schedule a visit.
Free screening help
Skipping your checkup can cost more later. This one can cost nothing.
For uninsured women in Virginia who qualify.
About EAESSI
Evelyn Ancrum Education Support Systems (EAESSI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Spotsylvania, Virginia. We help uninsured women get breast screenings and help Virginia students pay for college.
General educational information
This guide is for general education. It does not replace advice from your doctor. Program details on this page come from this source: