Legislation Would Allow Medical Wigs Be Covered Under Medicare

Bill Text

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02), alongside Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), reintroduced the Wigs as Durable Medical Equipment Act, which helps individuals affected by alopecia and patients undergoing chemotherapy access a wig without incurring significant costs.

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. This bill would allow cranial prosthetics (wigs) to be covered under the Medicare program, ensuring people of all economic backgrounds have access to this important treatment option.

“For many impacted by medical hair loss, unaffordable and inaccessible wigs can deepen an already significant mental and physical burden,” said Rep. Pressley. “As someone living with Alopecia, I know what it feels like to endure a vulnerable transformation not of my choosing. Those experiencing medical hair loss deserve to step into their own beauty and power, and I’m proud to reintroduce this bill with Congressman McGovern and Senator Blumenthal to expand coverage for wigs, relieve financial barriers, and support dignity for all.”

“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,” said Rep. McGovern. “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 making sure everyone can live their lives with dignity and confidence, regardless of their economic situation.”

“Our measure ensures patients struggling with hair loss can live their lives with dignity and confidence,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Medicare recipients who are undergoing cancer treatment, living with Alopecia, or suffering from other forms of traumatic hair loss shouldn’t have to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars out-of-pocket to look and feel their best. By expanding coverage for medical wigs, our legislation removes the financial burden patients impacted by hair loss face and gives them the self-assurance and comfort they deserve.”

With no known cause or cure, Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune skin disease affecting approximately 6.9 million Americans. The disease disproportionately affects children and Black Americans, particularly Black women. Many individuals affected by Alopecia Areata utilize 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.

Information on the bill can be found here.

Since revealing her alopecia diagnosis, Rep. Pressley has become a leading voice fighting to raise awareness and support for the alopecia community across the nation.

Rep. Pressley is a lead sponsor of the CROWN Act, legislation she led with Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Ilhan Omar (MN-05) that would ban discrimination based on hair textures and hairstyles that are commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. She delivered a passionate floor speech in support of the CROWN Act prior to its passage in the House in March 2022.

In May 2023, Reps. Pressley, Bonne Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), led their colleagues in introducing the Recognition of Traction Alopecia in Service Women Act of 2023.

In September 2021, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02) led their colleagues in re-introducing the Wigs as Durable Medical Equipment Act, legislation to help individuals affected by Alopecia Areata and patients with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy by allowing medical wigs and other head coverings to be covered under the Medicare program.

In 2020, the House passed an amendment introduced by Congresswoman Pressley to provide $5 million dollars for the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to fund research on the causes, impacts, and possible treatments of Alopecia areata.

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