Get Support
FORCE offers many peer support programs for people with inherited mutations.
- Our Message Boards allow people to connect with others who share their situation. Once registered, you can post on the Diagnosed With Cancer board to connect with other people who have been diagnosed.
- Our Peer Navigation Program will match you with a volunteer who shares your mutation and situation.
- Our moderated, private Facebook group allows you to connect with other community members 24/7.
- Check out our virtual and in-person support meeting calendar.
- Join one of our Zoom community group meetings.
updated: 08/06/2022
Related Resources
The following organizations have resources related to ovarian cancer.
- FORCE resources:
- Information: Ovarian cancer screening and prevention
- Information: Ovarian cancer treatment
- Personalized portal: Ovarian cancer
- XRAY category: Ovarian cancer
- Video: What's new in gynecologic cancer screening and prevention?
- Video: What's new in gynecologic cancer treatment?
- Video: Options for Ovarian Cancer
- Video playlist: Ovarian cancer
- Blogs: Ovarian cancer
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines for Patients: Ovarian Cancer
- National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
- Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
- Clearity Foundation
updated: 06/28/2023
Expert Guidelines
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend genetic counseling and testing for anyone diagnosed at any age with epithelial ovarian, or primary peritoneal cancer.
updated: 11/13/2023
Paying For Care
Insurance coverage for genetic counseling and testing
Most health plans cover genetic counseling and testing for inherited gene mutations linked to cancer in people who meet the national guidelines. The cost of testing and your out-of-pocket charges may vary based on several factors.
People who are denied coverage for genetic testing can file an appeal (FORCE has sample appeal letters). Your healthcare provider can work with your insurance company and help you file an appeal if needed. Low cost testing may be available for $250 or less. Learn more about coverage for genetic counseling and testing here.
If you need information about finding an insurance plan, watch our video: Choosing Wisely: How to Pick Insurance Plans.
testing under the Affordable Care Act
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance companies must pay for both genetic counseling and testing with no out-of-pocket costs for women who meet certain criteria. The ACA regulations are limited to testing for and only and do not cover genetic counseling or testing in all situations. You can learn more about testing under the ACA here.
Medicare and Medicaid coverage of genetic testing
Genetic counseling and testing is typically covered by Medicare for people already diagnosed with cancer who are in treatment or for whom test results may affect their care. Most state Medicaid programs cover genetic testing for and mutations for people who meet requirements, which vary by state. You can read more about Medicare and Medicaid coverage of genetic testing here.
Financial assistance or low cost genetic testing
JScreen is a national program based out of Emory University that provides low-cost at-home genetic counseling and testing with financial assistance available. Many laboratories offer low-cost genetic testing or financial assistance programs. Programs vary, so if you are not eligible for assistance through one lab, consider contacting other labs to see if you qualify .
- Ambry Billing and Insurance
- Color for All (Color's Family Testing Program
- Invitae Patient Assistance Program
- Quest Financial Assistance Program
- Natera Compassionate Care Program
- Myriad Cares
- Sema4 Financial Assistance
updated: 03/16/2023