Health Insurance for Wigs for Hair Loss (Alopecia)
Many insurance companies cover the cost of wigs or hairpieces when you have a diagnosis of alopecia (hair loss) and your doctor provides a prescription. Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, which affects millions of men and women. Like prosthetics to replace a lost arm or leg, insurance recognizes that hair loss due to medical conditions or accidents, whether temporary or permanent, can warrant coverage for replacement. Cranial just means the prosthetic (hair) is for your head. We are not yet “in network” with any insurance companies and cannot bill insurance directly but are checking into joining major networks.
Sometimes the hair loss is temporary due to chemotherapy, allergies, prescription side effects, or other temporary medical conditions. We have also learned that COVID-19 can cause hair loss and it’s too soon to know how long it will last. Many cases of hair loss are long term or progressively worsening due to hereditary factors, accidents, or chronic medical conditions. Many people have more than one contributing factor.
Regardless of the reason for your hair loss, if you are under a doctor’s care, it is worthwhile to check with your insurance company about reimbursement. NOTE: Do not ask if they cover wigs or hairpieces, ask if they cover a “cranial prosthesis” and ask about limits. We have found that most only pay once per year and many have a $250 limit but every bit helps.
Also, even if your health insurance does not cover the expense or only covers part, with the prescription and our receipt with the medical codes, you can use your pre-tax HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) funds.
If you want to submit a claim with insurance or file for FSA or HSA reimbursement, just get us a copy of your prescription for a “cranial prosthesis” for alopecia and we will provide an appropriate receipt for you.
Sometimes the hair loss is temporary due to chemotherapy, allergies, prescription side effects, or other temporary medical conditions. We have also learned that COVID-19 can cause hair loss and it’s too soon to know how long it will last. Many cases of hair loss are long term or progressively worsening due to hereditary factors, accidents, or chronic medical conditions. Many people have more than one contributing factor.
Regardless of the reason for your hair loss, if you are under a doctor’s care, it is worthwhile to check with your insurance company about reimbursement. NOTE: Do not ask if they cover wigs or hairpieces, ask if they cover a “cranial prosthesis” and ask about limits. We have found that most only pay once per year and many have a $250 limit but every bit helps.
Also, even if your health insurance does not cover the expense or only covers part, with the prescription and our receipt with the medical codes, you can use your pre-tax HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) funds.
If you want to submit a claim with insurance or file for FSA or HSA reimbursement, just get us a copy of your prescription for a “cranial prosthesis” for alopecia and we will provide an appropriate receipt for you.