Side effects are common when a person is undergoing cancer treatment, and they often include hair loss. Original Medicare does not cover the cost of wigs. However, there may be other coverage options.
Medicare covers various aspects of cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.
The extent of hair loss varies among individuals, as does its effect on a person’s well-being and self-esteem. Some people may wish to wear a wig during treatment and until the hair grows back afterward. Original Medicare does not cover the cost of wigs, but there may be other coverage options.
This article explains coverage options for wigs during cancer treatment. It also explains hair loss and where an individual can find help and support.
Glossary of Medicare terms
We may use a few terms in this article that can be helpful to understand when selecting the best insurance plan:
- Out-of-pocket costs: An out-of-pocket cost is the amount a person must pay for medical care when Medicare does not pay the total cost or offer coverage. These costs can include deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and premiums.
- Deductible: This is an annual amount a person must spend out of pocket within a certain period before an insurer starts to fund their treatments.
- Coinsurance: This is the percentage of treatment costs that a person must self-fund. For Medicare Part B, this is 20%.
- Copayment: This is a fixed dollar amount a person with insurance pays when receiving certain treatments. For Medicare, this usually applies to prescription drugs.
Typically, Original Medicare does not cover wigs for cancer patients.
Original Medicare includes Parts A and B. Part A covers inpatient hospital care, and Part B covers outpatient services.
Original Medicare covers many types of medically necessary cancer treatments.
For example, Medicare Part B covers prostheses, such as a breast prosthesis, when they are necessary to restore function or replace a body part. However, Original Medicare does not deem wigs medically necessary.
Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may cover wigs for people with cancer, though.
Private insurance companies administer Medicare Advantage plans. Under Medicare guidelines, these plans must cover at least the same services as Original Medicare. Many policies also provide extra benefits, which may include coverage of wigs during cancer treatment.
It may be helpful for a person to consider that Medicare Advantage plans vary in their additional coverage. Due to this, some plans may cover wigs, whereas others may not.
Some plans that cover wigs may also have a limit on the amount that they will pay. Individuals with a Medicare Advantage plan can contact their plan provider to ask about their coverage.
Specific Medicare Advantage plans may require a doctor’s prescription for a wig. Depending on the plan’s rules, a person may first have to purchase a wig and then submit a claim to their plan provider for reimbursement.
Read about Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage.
Cancer treatments vary considerably. Some forms of treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, may lead to hair loss.
Radiation therapy
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The decision to wear a wig is a very personal choice. A person may choose to wear a wig for practical reasons, such as to feel warmer. For others, hair loss could cause a wide variety of emotions, and wearing a wig may help ease the treatment’s effects on an individual’s mental health and well-being.
Some people may choose to wear other head coverings, such as scarves or hats, instead. Others may decide not to cover their head at all.
In all cases, the American Cancer Society offers advice and support to people experiencing hair loss due to their cancer treatment.
Tips for choosing a wig
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- Before treatment, save a lock of hair to match the color.
- Take pictures of the current style before treatment.
- Use natural light to compare the wig color to the natural hair color.
- Take head measurements with air wet or slicked down.
- Try to find an adjustable wig, as head size can decrease up to one whole size after hair loss.
Various organizations provide general support for individuals with cancer. Some may also provide information on selecting and caring for wigs, as well as getting financial help to cover the purchase.
- American Cancer Society: Local chapters of the American Cancer Society
often have resources to help people with cancer obtain free or low cost wigs. They also provide information and support on selecting and caring for a wig. - Nonprofit organizations: Various
local organizations may provide information on coping with the side effects of cancer treatment, including hair loss. Some nonprofits also provide free wigs to people with cancer. A person can speak with their local treatment center or healthcare provider for more information. - Local salons: Local salons and stylists can be an excellent resource for general information about selecting and caring for wigs. A stylist may also trim a wig to customize it for an individual.
Costs
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- whether the wig is made from real or synthetic hair
- the hairstyle
- the length of the hair
Usually, a wig that a person buys due to experiencing hair loss from cancer treatment is a tax-deductible medical expense.
Additional financial support to help cover the cost of a wig may include help from local wig stores. Some offer discounts to a person buying a wig due to the side effects of cancer treatment. A person’s social worker or healthcare provider can usually offer local advice.
Medicare resources
For more resources to help guide you through the complex world of medical insurance, visit our Medicare hub.
Usually, Original Medicare Parts A and B do not cover wigs for cancer patients. However, some Medicare Advantage plans might cover the costs.
A person can check their coverage details with their plan provider to confirm that they have a benefit that pays for wigs. There may be a coverage limit for this benefit.
If an individual does not have a Medicare Advantage plan, help to cover the cost of a wig may be available from nonprofit organizations and local resources.