This bill aims to ensure that individuals, including children and adults, have access to scalp and facial hair prostheses if they experience hair loss due to specific medical conditions such as alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, non-classical 21-hydroxylase, or as a result of injuries, provided that the hair loss is not part of the natural aging process. The bill amends various sections of the General Laws, specifically sections related to accident and sickness insurance, hospital service plans, and medical service agreements, to include coverage for these prostheses. It mandates that insurance policies provide benefits for facial medical pigmentation and scalp hair prostheses on a nondiscriminatory basis, subject to a written statement from a treating physician confirming medical necessity.

Additionally, the bill establishes definitions for "prosthesis," "scalp hair prosthesis," and "facial medical pigmentation," ensuring clarity in the types of coverage required. It also stipulates that the coverage for these prostheses must align with the same limitations and guidelines as other prosthetic devices and must be provided at a minimum frequency and amount comparable to what state insurers offer for hair loss due to chemotherapy. This comprehensive approach seeks to enhance the quality of life for those affected by hair loss due to medical conditions by ensuring they have access to necessary prosthetic options.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 32A-17E