Wigs after chemo are certainly an option that many patients take advantage of if they lose their hair due to chemotherapy. But wigs and whether they are covered under health insurance plans, like other health insurance issues, is not always a simple yes or no. The good news is if a wig is a necessity as deemed by your doctor, this is a step in the right direction.
Whether health insurance covers the cost of a wig depends on various factors, including the reason for needing one, the type of health insurance plan you have, and the specific policy terms and conditions.
Medical Necessity
In some cases, wigs may be considered medically necessary for individuals who have lost their hair due to a medical condition or treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, alopecia areata, or certain skin conditions. When a wig is prescribed by a healthcare provider as part of a treatment plan, it may be more likely to be covered by health insurance. Wigs primarily used for cosmetic purposes, such as changing one’s hairstyle or color, are generally not covered by health insurance. These are considered elective and not medically necessary.
Insurance Policy Coverage
Health insurance policies vary widely in terms of what they cover. Some insurance plans may explicitly include coverage for wigs in certain medically necessary situations, while others may not. Your specific insurance policy may or may not and you will want to check with your insurance provider to understand if a wig after chemo or other medically necessary treatment or medical condition will cover the cost.
Some insurance plans may offer coverage but with limitations such as they may provide for alternative hair solutions, such as hairpieces or hair prostheses or they may limit it by a dollar amount. These solutions are often considered when hair loss is due to a medical condition.
Like other limits in coverage by your provider, you may have to pay some portion out-of-pocket such as a deductible or co-pays, or any expenses beyond what your insurance plan considers “reasonable and customary.”
• Pre-authorization and Documentation: To seek coverage for a wig, you may need to obtain pre-authorization from your insurance company. This typically involves your healthcare provider documenting the medical necessity of the wig. Be prepared to provide detailed information about your condition and why a wig is essential for your well-being. You may learn at this stage the dollar amount the insurance provider is willing to provide in keeping with what they have decided is reasonable and customary.
• Specialized Plans: Some specialized insurance plans, such as those tailored to cancer patients or individuals with specific medical conditions, may offer more comprehensive coverage for wigs and related expenses, for example, Aflac offers a cancer insurance plan and Valuepenguin.com’s comparative evaluation indicates UnitedHealthcare has the best insurance for cancer patients. The American Cancer Society provides information on health insurance plans. Check with your provider if coverage, all or in part, may be provided for wigs or hairpieces.
Wig-A-Do Salon for Compassionate Assistance
At Wig-A-Do salon in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey or at any of the wig boutiques in our group, we have had many opportunities to help women and men with wig fittings and purchases. We understand the feelings of concern and sadness that accompany hair loss due to chemo or other treatments and conditions. Our goal is to make selecting a wig an empowering and uplifting experience. We have shared tears with our customers and smiles of triumph when a wig selection has transformed our client’s outlook. If you are worried about hair loss, give us an opportunity to see if we can help. Give us a call and explain your situation and make an appointment to come see one of our stylists.
Though the coverage of wigs under health insurance plans may vary significantly based on individual circumstances and insurance policies, we have wig options in a variety of price ranges, so even if you have to pay for it yourself, we believe we can find one that is beautiful and affordable.
If you believe that a wig is medically necessary due to a medical condition or treatment, it’s essential to consult with your doctor for a prescription and contact your insurance company to understand your specific coverage options and requirements. If we can help in any way by providing information and costs, please let us do so.
Call Wig-A-Do at (856) 235-3534 or stop in and see us at our location in the Bank of America Plaza, 3131 NJ-38 #16, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054. We serve clients from Mt. Laurel and the surrounding area including Moorestown, Maple Shade, Cinnaminson, Cherry Hill, Marlton, Willingboro, Pennsauken, Haddonfield, Collingswood, Burlington, Mount Holly, Audubon, Camden, Lindenwold, Atlantic City, Pitman, and Ventnor. We look forward to meeting you!
