The bill, known as "Jessica Huffman's Law," amends the Code of West Virginia to require health insurers to provide coverage for scalp cooling systems used during cancer chemotherapy treatment. It introduces seven new sections across various chapters of the law, specifically defining a "scalp cooling system" as a device designed to cool the human scalp to prevent or reduce hair loss during chemotherapy. The bill mandates that any insurer issuing or renewing policies on or after January 1, 2027, that cover cancer chemotherapy treatment must also include coverage for these scalp cooling systems, as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Additionally, the coverage for scalp cooling systems may be subject to annual deductibles and coinsurance, including copayments, as determined appropriate by the commissioner and consistent with other benefits within the policy. This legislation aims to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy by mitigating the side effects of hair loss. The law will take effect 90 days after its passage, which is set for June 8, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-16-8b, 9-5-34, 33-15-4a, 33-16-20, 33-24-15, 33-25-23, 33-25A-37
Engrossed Version: 5-16-8b, 9-5-34, 33-15-4a, 33-16-20, 33-24-15, 33-25-23, 33-25A-37
Enrolled Version: 5-16-8b, 9-5-34, 33-15-4a, 33-16-20, 33-24-15, 33-25-23, 33-25A-37