Kerans, Lovely Push For Insurers To Cover Hair Replacement

Salem MA

13 October, 2021

4:55 PM

Description

BOSTON, MA — Two of the North Shore's state legislators are pushing a bill that would require insurance companies to reimburse Alopecia patients for hair prostheses. Rep. Sally Kerans (D-Danvers) and Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) filed the legislation that they said would close an insurance gap that keeps the hair replacement out of reach for many who experience complete hair loss because of a documented medical condition. The Joint Committee on Financial Serviced heard testimony on the bill Tuesday with advocates saying hair loss can cause emotional and health pain for young patients. The bill would also require insurance companies to cover facial pigmentation expenses for Alopecia patients. "This is a modest proposal that provides basic coverage the Alopecia patients both need and deserve," Rep. Kerans said. "Losing your hair when you're a teenager from a medical condition is hard enough. You shouldn't have to battle your insurance company to cover the cost of a treatment that might well prevent further health complications down the road." Kerans was the sponsor of similar legislation when she first represented the North Shore in 1994. "Alopecia is an autoimmune disease and one that is diagnosed by a physician," Sen. Lovely said. "This legislation recognizes that fact and enables these patients to use their health insurance to address a health need." The coverage would not apply to natural hair loss as part of the aging process. Those looking to view a recording of the hearing can go here. Did you find this article useful? Invite a friend to subscribe to Patch. (Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at [email protected]. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)