Delgado Backs Measure Securing Prosthetics Coverage for Cancer Survivors

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, 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. 

“Cancer survivors and those dealing with life-threatening illness are hyper aware of how they are perceived by other people, and when something as personal as your hair is affected by your medical diagnosis, it becomes even more impactful,” Delgado said. “This legislation gives these survivors some peace of mind by providing them with support that extends beyond just treatments and medications. Requiring companies to cover the cost of wigs or scalp prosthesis is a simple, but effective, way we can positively shape the lives of those dealing with life threatening illnesses.”

The Delgado-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.

Delgado recently championed multiple key healthcare reforms, including 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.