Many of us know someone who has been treated for cancer. While a cancer diagnosis is terrifying and traumatic, chemotherapy remains one of the most common methods of treatment for cancer. Although chemotherapy provides life-saving treatment, one of the side effects includes hair loss – a loss that is often devastating for cancer patients.

However, scalp cooling systems or cold caps are essential in reducing hair loss as a result of chemotherapy. These devices lower the temperature of the scalp, restricting blood flow. This process reduces the amount of chemo that attacks hair follicle cells. Protecting hair follicle cells from damage associated with chemo can assist in reducing or preventing hair loss for some cancer patients.

For this reason, I plan to introduce legislation that would require each insurance policy that is offered within the Commonwealth and provides coverage for cancer chemotherapy treatment to include coverage for scalp cooling system treatment. This legislation would be pivotal in increasing access to cancer patients who would like to use scalp cooling treatment.

As legislators, I believe it is important to demonstrate compassion and care for those who are struggling with the many difficulties associated with cancer and chemotherapy. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation for those who are fighting against cancer.