S. 3872: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for wigs as durable medical equipment under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.

This bill proposes to amend the Social Security Act to ensure that wigs, specifically designated as cranial prostheses, are covered as durable medical equipment under the Medicare program. Here are the main points of the bill:

Coverage for Wigs

The bill aims to add coverage for wigs—referred to as cranial prostheses—for individuals who have experienced hair loss due to specific medical conditions. The conditions include:

• Autoimmune diseases
• Cancer
• Chemotherapy treatments

To qualify for this coverage, a written certification from a dermatologist, oncologist, or other attending physician is required, confirming the medical necessity of the wig as part of the individual’s proposed treatment plan.

Amendments to Existing Law

The bill includes amendments to two sections of the Social Security Act to facilitate this coverage:

• Section 1861(n) is amended to explicitly state that cranial prostheses are included in the definition of durable medical equipment.
• Section 1862(a)(1) is amended to update language concerning coverage limitations, allowing for the inclusion of wigs certified for medical necessity.

Implications

By providing coverage for wigs under Medicare, the bill seeks to support individuals suffering from hair loss due to serious health conditions, aiming to ease some of the emotional and psychological impacts that accompany these medical issues.

Relevant Companies

None found.