Every Woman Matters (EWM) is a federally funded program that pays for office visits associated with Pap tests, pelvic exams, clinical breast exams and lab fees for women aged 25-64. Age-appropriate mammography is covered as well as diagnostic tests. EWM provides screening and diagnostic tests, public education, and quality assurance activities. Find out more...
Importance of Preventive Health Screenings
We know there is a lot going on in the world right now. Everyday life feeds a little bit tougher while trying to make ends meet. You shouldn't have to decide between healthcare and paying your bills.
When bills are piling up, it's easy to put doctor visits on the back burner. But taking care of your health now can prevent major medical issues and major medical bills!
Did you know that many routine checkups, screenings and immunizations are available to you at no cost? If you are enrolled in Medicaid or have private health insurance plans through an employer or health marketplace, preventive services are fully covered.
If you don't have health coverage, or your current health insurance coverage is changing or going to change in the future, please know that EWM is here for you!
Preventive health screenings are important. They matter because they help you recognize the early stages of disease when prevention is key. There are screening programs and resources here for you so you can be there for your loved ones. You have more options than you think.
For eligible clients, EWM offers:
- Breast (clinical breast exams and mammograms) and cervical (Pap test and pelvic exams) cancer screenings for women 25-64
- Heart and diabetes health screenings (blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, healthy living supports) for women 35-64
- Colon cancer testing (at-home FIT kit, colonoscopy) for women and men 45-74
Eligibility for EWM include the following:
- Age: 25-64 years
- Must meet income guidelines (guidelines updated every July 1)
- Must be a citizen/legal resident of Nebraska
- Must be uninsured, underinsured and/or have a high deductible or catastrophic coverage
- Must not have health insurance that would pay for preventive services
Click to enroll in EWM/NCP TODAY! It's important that our friends and family members are healthy too. Pass this information along to them now.
Enroll today and have those you care about enroll in the program for services and additional preventive health screening coverage.
Cervical Cancer Screening: Choosing What is Best for You
As women, we have choices to help keep our bodies healthy and prevent cervical cancer. This means you are in control of your own health.
These screening choices are for women 25-65 who have an average risk of cervical cancer. Your provider may recommend a different schedule based on your history.
Here are the ways you can get tested:
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Co-testing: The doctor does a Pap test and an HPV test at the same time.
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HPV test only: The doctor does just an HPV test.
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Self-testing: You can collect your own HPV test sample by yourself while you are at the clinic, instead of the doctor doing it.
What is different about these tests?
- A Pap test looks for cell changes on your cervix that could turn into cancer.
- An HPV test looks for the virus (HPV) that can cause those cell changes.
- HPV is a very common virus. Most people get HPV at some point in their lives. Usually it goes away on its own, but some types do not and can lead to cervical cancer.
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How self collection works check out this video from the Mayo Clinic
How often should I get a screening test?
If you do not have an increased risk of cervical cancer and have not had an abnormal pap smear to HPV test before.
| Test |
Who collects the sample |
What test looks for |
How Often |
| Co-testing Pap test/HPV |
Healthcare Provider |
Cell changes |
Every 5 years |
| HPV test |
Healthcare provider |
HPV virus |
Every 5 years |
| HPV self-test |
You
(at the clinic)
|
HPV virus |
Every 3 years |
The HPV vaccine helps prevent many HPV infections that can lead to cancer. HPV virus causes six different types of cancers in men and women. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by ongoing HPV infections. Preteens have the option of vaccinating for HPV starting as early as 9 years old. Women up to the age of 45 maybe eligible for the vaccine. Through shared -decision making you can discuss your individual risks and benefits with your health care provider.
Remember, screening finds problems early, before they become cancer. Talk to your provider about your personal risk and what testing is best for you.
Do you have Medicaid or know someone that does?
If you currently have Medicaid in Nebraska, important changes started May 1, 2026. See below for more information about Medicaid work requirements.
If you received a yellow letter from Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) please read this carefully. If you have Medicaid in Nebraska, new work rules may apply to you starting May 1, 2026.
To explain what changed, who must meet the new rules, who does not have to meet them, what counts as work, how Nebraska checks work requirements and how to best get help. Medicaid has undergone a major shift/change that started May 1 with new work requirements, click here.
Nebraska Medicaid Work Requirements Frequently Asked Questions
NEED HELP?
Being a part of Every Woman Matters and the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program means more than preventive screenings.
We are also here to assist you with other needs that you may have. Whether you are new to the program or have trusted us for many years, you can count on us.
We have partnered with UniteUs, which is a system that allows you to directly connect and access resources across the 2-1-1 network. The 2-1-1- network is a FREE, 3-digit helpline that you can call for local support and resources such as clothing, counseling, employment, food, health clinics, housing assistance, shelter or transportation.
DO YOU NEED HELP WITH HOUSING, FOOD OR OTHER SERVICES?
Fill out an online form for food, housing, transportation, support or other services that you may need to thrive.
Click here for FREE, confidential services. Available 24/7. Available in over 240 languages through the Language Line translation services. Services are also accessible for people with disabilities.
DO YOU NEED HELP GETTING TO YOUR EWM EXAM?
If you need transportation assistance, EWM has a limited number of structural barrier reduction vouchers that are available to current clients. Click here to fill out a form to let us know if you need assistance to get to your EWM exam.
DO YOU NEED ADDITIONAL RESOURCES IN YOUR COMMUNITY?
Not finding a resource you need or need something more? The preventionmatters.ne.gov website has a listing of both local and regional resources in your area.
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
If you like tacos and burrito bowls, this turkey sweet potato skillet is the best one pan meal that hits the spot. It comes together in just 30 minutes with just 5 key ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 1 large sweet potato (diced small)
- 1 package low sodium taco seasoning
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese
- 1 T olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat add ½ tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add ground turkey. Cook, stirring frequently until no longer pink in colour.
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Add the turkey to a plate and set aside. To the same skillet, heat remaining ½ tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add diced onions and sweet potatoes. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir. Cover and reduce heat to low-medium until the sweet potatoes are soft (about 10-15 minutes). You may need to stir periodically to ensure the potatoes are not sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
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Once the potatoes are soft and onions fragrant- add the turkey meat back into the skillet along with the package of taco seasoning. Stir well (you may need to add 2 tablespoon of water to ensure all the seasoning is absorbed).
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Top with cheese and either cover until cheese is melted or place under the broiler for about 5 minutes until bubbly. Serve over lettuce topped with greek yogurt, salsa and guacamole.
Source: https://nourishedbynic.com/ground-turkey-sweet-potato-skillet/
Nutrition: Recipe makes 5 servings.
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 332 | Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 31g | Fiber: 2g
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