Senator Blumenthal Introduces Bill to Reclassify Medical Wigs as Medicare-Covered Cranial Prostheses

6.7 million Americans have alopecia areata, with a lifetime risk of about 2% across the general population

Roughly 65% of chemotherapy patients experience hair loss, and 47% of female cancer patients call it the most traumatic part of treatment

Original Medicare does not cover wigs — even when a doctor prescribes one — because they are classified as cosmetic, not medically necessary

Medical wigs range from under $30 to over $4,000 out of pocket; alopecia patients spend a median of $450 per year on wigs and headwear, with some spending up to $1,500 annually

60% of alopecia patients report the disease is a major financial burden; state insurance mandates for wig coverage exist in some states but cap reimbursement at just $350/year