To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for wigs as durable medical equipment under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.
Medicare: Coverage for Medical Wigs
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill would change Medicare rules to help pay for wigs for people who lose their hair due to medical reasons. It officially labels these wigs as 'cranial prostheses' and treats them like other medical tools.
- To qualify for a covered wig, a person's doctor—such as a cancer specialist or a skin doctor—must provide a written statement. They must certify that the wig is a necessary part of the patient's medical treatment or recovery.
- The plan specifically focuses on helping people dealing with hair loss from cancer, chemotherapy, or autoimmune diseases. These conditions can cause sudden, total hair loss that is often very expensive for patients to manage on their own.
- By labeling wigs as 'durable medical equipment,' the bill moves them into the same category as wheelchairs or oxygen tanks. This change is designed to help patients afford high-quality wigs that can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
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Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for wigs as durable medical equipment under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(1)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.