Governor Hochul Signs Bill Requiring Health Insurers to Cover Scalp Cooling Devices for Cancer Patients
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A.38-A/S.2603-A, which would require health insurers to cover scalp cooling devices to help preserve hair for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment, was signed into law by Governor Hochul this week—contingent on a chapter amendment to specify the law only applies to large group policies.
MSSNY established policy 120.895 Insurance Coverage for Scalp Cooling (Cold Cap) Therapy in support of this concept at its 2021 House of Delegates (HOD).
Hair loss is one of the most noticeable and devastating effects of cancer treatment. For many, hair loss is debilitating and interferes with their treatment and recovery. The side effects of hair loss also create a constant reminder of the disease and can heighten one’s feelings of loss and sadness during an already grueling process.
Chemotherapy attacks cancer cells, but can also kill other cells in the body, including those in hair roots. Scalp cooling is a preventive mechanism that can reduce and prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss. The devices used in scalp cooling restrict blood vessels in the scalp, limiting the amount of chemo that reaches hair follicle cells.
New York becomes the first state in the country to mandate insurers cover this technology for cancer hair-preservation treatment.
