Reps reintroduce Wigs as Durable Medical Equipment Act 

WASHINGTON – Reps. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., and Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., alongside Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., have reintroduced the Wigs as Durable Medical Equipment Act, a bill that would require Medicare to cover wigs for individuals affected by alopecia and patients undergoing chemotherapy. Currently, many private insurance plans cover wigs for those undergoing treatments that cause hair loss or who are affected by alopecia areata, but Medicare does not. “For people impacted by alopecia or undergoing cancer treatment, a wig can make a major difference—providing them with the confidence and courage to live as normally as possible during a challenging time,” McGovern said. “But wigs can cost thousands of dollars, and despite the enormous and clear benefits they provide, Medicare doesn’t currently cover them. That needs to change. This bill is about helping make sure everyone can live their lives with dignity and confidence, regardless of who they are or how much money is in their bank account. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, and that is what this bill is about.” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune skin disease, with no known cause or cure, affecting approximately 6.9 million Americans. The disease disproportionately affects children and Black Americans, particularly Black women. Many individuals affected by Alopecia Areata use wigs as there are currently few effective treatment options. Unfortunately, these prosthetics can come with a significant out-of-pocket cost from $100 to several thousand dollars for individuals with low or fixed incomes. This is especially burdensome for children, who often want cranial prosthetics for attending school. 

• Related: Legislation to require Medicare coverage of wigs re-introduced.