The bill H. 4972 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 38-71-148, which mandates that health insurance policies providing coverage for cancer chemotherapy treatment must also include coverage for scalp cooling therapy. This coverage encompasses both the necessary equipment and supplies for scalp cooling, as well as the operation and management of the cooling system, which can be performed by a third-party entity. Insurers are required to provide written notice to policyholders about the availability of scalp cooling therapy when chemotherapy treatment is approved, ensuring that patients are informed about this option.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that chemotherapy treatment facilities must offer scalp cooling therapy to all eligible patients to qualify for insurance reimbursement for chemotherapy services. Facilities must maintain at least one operational scalp cooling system and provide patients with prior notice of its availability. The Department of Health will oversee compliance and certification processes, with penalties for noncompliance. The provisions of this bill apply to all individual and group health insurance policies in the state, including the State Health Plan, and the bill will take effect six months after being approved by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
01/15/2026: 38-71-148
Latest Version: 38-71-148