KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Health Fund (NHF) has expanded its NHFCard programme to provide an annual $3,000 mammogram subsidy for high-risk women aged 30 to 40 and eligible men aged 40 and older, effective July 1, 2026.

The expansion broadens eligibility beyond women aged 40 and over and is intended to improve early detection of breast cancer, enhance treatment outcomes and reduce barriers to screening, the NHF said in a statement on Wednesday.

Under the revised programme, high-risk women aged 30 to 40 years may access the mammogram benefit if they are identified by their doctor as being at increased risk for breast cancer. Applicants are required to submit a letter from their doctor to the NHF Customer Care Department at least three business days before their scheduled mammogram to allow for processing.

The NHF has also extended the subsidy to eligible men aged 40 and older with a strong family history of breast cancer, noting that although male breast cancer is uncommon, early screening can be lifesaving for those at elevated risk.

The agency said the expanded eligibility aligns with international breast cancer screening guidelines.

NHF Chief Executive Officer Everton Anderson said the initiative is aimed at removing financial barriers to screening and supporting the early detection of breast cancer.

“Our goal is to make breast cancer screening more accessible, particularly for those at higher risk,” Anderson said.

“By reducing the cost of mammograms for high-risk women and for men, breast cancer can be detected earlier, when it is most treatable. Early detection not only improves health outcomes but can also reduce the need for more extensive treatment later,” he noted.

Existing cardholders automatically qualify for the mammogram benefit but persons applying only for the mammogram benefit do not need to have one of the chronic diseases covered by the NHFCard.

A tax registration number (TRN), however, is required to apply.

National Health Fund logo (Photo: National Health Fund website)