Will insurance cover the cost of a wig?
Partial or complete baldness from conditions such as cancer treatment, alopecia, and trichotillomania relate to medical causes of hair loss. For these individuals, there may be ways to offset or even completely cover the cost of the wig, which, for medical purposes, is called a cranial prosthesis. Regardless of how you pay for your cranial prosthesis, keep copies of all related paperwork: doctor’s prescription, sales receipt, insurance claim forms, and all correspondence with the insurance company.
Private Health Insurance
Most health insurance companies will partially or entirely cover the cost of the wig under the classification of “durable medical goods.” Before you even begin shopping, contact your insurance company and ask about their requirements, what they will cover, and the exact terminology needed on the prescription. Avoid the word “wig” and instead refer to it as a “cranial prosthesis” or “extra-cranial prosthesis.” The insurance company will likely reject your claim if you refer to it as a wig. The insurance company may require you to purchase the wig first and then file a claim for reimbursement. Most insurance companies allow one cranial prosthesis annually for medically induced hair loss.
Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not typically cover wigs for patients suffering from hair loss, including cancer treatment. However, a Medicare Advantage plan, sometimes called Part C, through a private insurance company, may cover cranial prosthesis for patients with hair loss. Please consult with your Medicare Advantage carrier on their coverage and requirements.
Non Profit Organizations
Several national and local nonprofits help cancer patients by granting financial assistance, refurbishing gently used wigs, or providing brand new wigs to patients in need. The local chapter of the American Cancer Society may also offer a wig bank where they give new wigs to cancer patients who can’t afford to purchase one. Nonprofit organizations may require proof that you cannot pay for the wig.
Self-Pay
If you pay for a wig out of pocket, save the prescription and the receipt because the purchase may qualify as a tax deduction. For 2021, the IRS allows you to deduct qualified medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. In addition, as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, the standard deduction has nearly doubled from where it was in 2016. For 2021, the standard deduction is $12,550 for single taxpayers and $25,100 for married taxpayers filing jointly.
Salons, shops, and professional consultants specializing in wigs for cancer patients will usually help you file an insurance claim. If they don’t do the filing for you, they may have a staff person who can coach you through the paperwork. At Artemis Hair Studio, our caring, expert staff will meet with you in a private setting where we can discuss your unique hair loss situation and evaluate your insurance coverage.
Suppose you are experiencing medically induced hair loss due to illness, genetics, chemotherapy, or other reasons. In that case, Artemis Hair Studio will be your partner whether you want to look like you again or try something completely different. We specialize in creating high-quality, natural-looking wigs custom-designed to match the style, color, and cut you want. Call 713-667-1283 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced stylists today.
Professional Advice
Salons, shops, and professional consultants that specialize in wigs for cancer patients will usually help you file an insurance claim. If they don’t do the filing for you, they may have a staff person who can coach you through the paperwork. At Artemis Hair Studio, our caring, expert staff will meet with you in a private setting where we can discuss your unique hair loss situation and evaluate your insurance coverage.
If you are experiencing medically induced hair loss due to illness, genetics, chemotherapy, or other reasons, Artemis Hair Studio will be your partner whether you want to look like you again or try something completely different. We specialize in creating high-quality, natural-looking wigs that are custom designed to match the style, color, and cut you want. Call 713-667-1283 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced stylists today.
