Wigs for Alopecia, cancer hair loss would be covered by Medicare under McGovern-Pressley bill

House Rules Committee Chairman James P. McGovern (MA-02) and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) led their colleagues in re-introducing the Wigs as Durable Medical Equipment Act, legislation to help individuals affected by Alopecia and patients with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy.

Many private insurance plans cover wigs for those undergoing treatments that cause hair loss or who are affected by alopecia areata. This bill would allow wigs to be covered under the Medicare program.

“For people impacted by Alopecia or undergoing cancer treatment, a wig can make all the difference in the world. It can provide them with the confidence and courage the need to get back to normal during a challenging time,” McGovern said. “But wigs can cost thousands of dollars, and despite the enormous and clear benefits they provide, they are not currently covered by programs like Medicare. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and I think that needs to change, and we are introducing this important new bill to ensure equitable access to wigs and extend dignity and respect to folks who are impacted by Alopecia or who are undergoing cancer treatment.”

McGovern first introduced the bill in 2018 after a meeting with Mary Aframe, who runs the Women’s Image Center in Worcester and Leominster – a women’s healthcare boutique devoted to helping women to look and feel their best before, during, and after their cancer diagnosis. Aframe told McGovern that she had heard from many women on Medicare who struggled to afford a wig, sometimes even choosing different treatment paths to avoid hair loss.

“Since I first revealed my Alopecia diagnosis, I’ve been intentional about creating space and creating community for those of us who have medical conditions that impact our hair — and this bill is a continuation of those efforts,” Pressley said. “Every person living with Alopecia, battling cancer, or facing another medical condition that leads to hair loss, should be able to access wigs and other head coverings. Our bill is responsive and sends a powerful message to these communities: we see you, you belong, and you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. I am grateful to my friend Congressman McGovern for his partnership on this deeply personal and critical legislation.”

In 2019, Rep. Pressley revealed in a powerful video that she had been diagnosed with Alopecia Universalis, an auto-immune disease which attacks the hair follicles. Since then, she has championed policies in Congress that support and express solidarity with the nearly 7 million Americans living with alopecia.

With no known cause or cure, Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune skin disease affecting approximately 6.9 million Americans. The disease disproportionately affects children and Black Americans, particularly Black women. Many individuals affected by Alopecia Areata utilize wigs as there are currently few effective treatment options. Unfortunately, these prosthetics can come with a significant out-of-pocket cost from $100 to several thousand dollars for individuals with low or fixed incomes. This is especially burdensome for children, who often want cranial prosthetics for attending school.

“The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) applauds the introduction of the Wigs as Durable Medical Equipment Act and the historic efforts of Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Jim McGovern to better the lives of the 6.9 million Americans affected by alopecia areata,” said Gary Sherwood, Communications Director, National Alopecia Areata Foundation. “Passage of this critical legislation will ease the onerous financial burden placed on alopecia areata patients who cannot afford cranial prosthetics without incurring tremendous cost, and will hopefully bring about more fair insurance coverage for those with this disease. NAAF’s Legislative Liaisons and Legislative Mentors – our patient advocates – will work tirelessly to obtain co-sponsors for this essential legislation, and expect every House member who cares about their constituents with this disease to support it.”

“Wigs are not a cosmetic choice—they are a medical necessity for those of us living with Alopecia who struggle daily with people staring at us and wondering why we don’t have hair. However, not everyone can afford to pay out-of-pocket for a good wig. Few insurance companies recognize wigs as a medical necessity for those folks struggling with Alopecia,” said Chrissa Kaselis, leader of the Boston Area Alopecia Areata Support Group. “This legislation would make wigs more affordable for the 6.8 million people diagnosed with Alopecia, and I am proud that Boston’s own Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, a true Alopecian, is championing this bill and this cause. It is a true honor to have her fighting for us.”

McGovern and Pressley were joined by Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-05) in introducing the bill.

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