Olickal Sponsors Measure Securing Prosthetics Coverage for Cancer Survivors

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Kevin Olickal, D-Chicago, is advancing legislation to require that insurance companies cover the cost of wigs and scalp prosthesis for those battling or recovering from cancer and other serious medical conditions resulting in hair loss.

“There is a great deal of emotional stress associated with hair loss — patients recovering from these types of conditions shouldn’t have to empty their pockets to obtain a wig or scalp prosthesis,” said Olickal. “Ensuring this type of insurance coverage is a simple, yet extremely impactful, way to restore patients’ confidence and sense of self during some of life’s toughest battles.”

The Olickal-backed Senate Bill 2573 would require insurance companies to cover the cost of one wig or scalp prosthesis every 12 months for cancer survivors, those with alopecia or other conditions that would cause hair loss. The initiative is supported by the Illinois State Medical Society and passed unanimously out of the Senate on Friday, April 12.

“Recovering from a serious medical condition is more than a physical battle; it’s an emotionally and mentally draining experience. This key piece of legislation embraces every facet of healing. We owe it to these patients to support them from the beginning to the very end of their treatment,” Olickal said.

Olickal recently championed multiple key healthcare reforms, including his sponsorship of House Bill 5395, which curtails overreach by insurance companies when they needlessly deny medically necessary treatments, raise premiums without cause and under-insure consumers when they buy short-term health plans.