Lawmaker Says Insurance Companies To Cover Wigs For Sick Kids

A state lawmaker wants insurance companies to treat sick children who have lost their hair the same way as someone who lost an arm or leg.

Representative Sarah Roberts plans to introduce legislation that would require insurance policies to cover wigs for children under the age of 19 who suffer hair loss because of a medical condition or treatment.

The Saint Clair Shores Democrat says insurance companies cover many types of prosthetics, but are not required to cover the costs of human or synthetic hair replacements that are just as important to a child’s self-esteem and quality of life as any other prosthesis.

The bill also mandates that insurance coverage for wigs cannot be less than coverage offered for any other prosthesis.