Did You Know Health Insurance May Cover The Cost Of Your Medical Wig?
Are you losing your hair because of a disease or genetics, whether it’s temporary or permanent?
Most individuals are unaware of the fact that you can make an insurance claim to receive half or full reimbursement for the cost of your wig (cranial prosthesis) if you lose your hair due to medical diseases including chemotherapy, alopecia, trichotillomania, or other medical problems.
A cranial prosthesis is what?
For medical patients with persistent hair loss (due to conditions like alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, or trichotillomania) or temporary hair loss brought on by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or any other type of clinical ailment, a cranial prosthesis is a wig.
When requesting tax deduction status or medical insurance, the phrase “cranial prosthesis” is used. The terms “full cranial prosthesis,” “hair prosthesis,” “cranial hair prosthesis,” and “extra-cranial prosthesis” are also frequently used to refer to wigs worn for medical reasons.
Depending on your insurance policy, your coverage
You can be qualified for full reimbursement for a cranial prosthesis if you have medical hair loss. Depending on your policy, some insurance companies may ask you to make an upfront payment before receiving a reimbursement, while others may cover the cost of your prosthesis right away.
For medical hair loss, the majority of insurance companies will pay between 80 and 100% of the cost of your full cranial prosthesis and will let you get one every year. Your prosthesis might also qualify as a medical expense for tax deductions, depending on your insurance.
Most Medical Hair Loss Treatments are Covered by Insurance
- Alopecia
- Hair Loss Caused by Chemotherapy
- Hair Loss Due to Radiation
- Hair Loss Due to Thyroid Issues
- Hair Loss Caused by the Kidneys
- Cancer-Related Hair Loss Medical Hair Loss Caused by Genetics, Stress, Reaction to Medical Conditions, Changes in Life and the Environment, Aging, Thinning, and/or Balding
Navigating the insurance process for medical-grade wigs can be daunting, but we’re here to guide you through each step.
Here’s what you need to know:
Step 1: Medical Diagnosis
The first step is to have a clear medical diagnosis from your dermatologist or physician.
This diagnosis should state that you have a medical condition, such as alopecia or cancer, that has resulted in hair loss.
Step 2: Prescription for a Cranial Prosthesis
Your doctor must prescribe a cranial prosthesis.
This prescription should specifically mention the term ‘cranial prosthesis’, as some insurance companies may not recognize the term ‘wig’.
Step 3: Consultation with a Cranial Prosthesis Specialist
Schedule an appointment with our cranial prosthesis specialist for a custom fitting for your medical wig.
We can now provide you with an estimate of the costs involved.
Step 4: Submitting Your Claim
After you receive your cranial prosthesis, we will provide you with an itemized receipt and any other necessary documents you may need to submit your insurance claim.
The receipt will include a medical code that specifies that the product is a cranial prosthesis, not a cosmetic wig.
Step 5: Follow up with Insurance
Follow up with your insurance company after submitting your claim to ensure it was received and to check its status. Every insurance company has a different process, so it’s important to understand your policy’s specific requirements.
Please remember while most insurance companies cover a substantial portion of the costs for a cranial prosthesis, it may vary depending on your specific insurance plan.
It’s recommended to contact your insurance provider for details about your individual coverage before your consultation.
If you have any questions or need assistance with this process, please feel free to contact us.
We are here to support you every step of the way.
Get your doctor to write you a prescription with the medical procedure code A9282 for a “cranial prosthesis” (or the particular terminology your health insurance provider requires). Verify that the prescription does not include the word “wig.” It is not medically necessary to wear a wig because it is a fashion accessory.
To order your unit with a full upfront payment, you need to complete an initial consultation first. You can book your consultation online at powerbeautyunlimited.com. After you settle the invoice, we will provide you with a copy that includes your cranial prosthesis information.
Process for FREE Verification
Let us assist you! get your health insurance to pay for the expense of your wig. Once we’ve confirmed that your insurance provider provides this benefit, we’ll file your claim for free on your behalf. Our medical billing associate will identify:
- If your cranial prosthesis covered by your insurance?
- If so, what kinds of cranial prostheses (such as synthetic or human hair wigs) are covered?
- How much of the expense will be covered by insurance
- What exact language should be used on the wig prescription?
- What particular evidence is required before they can submit your claim?
Just because cranial prosthesis is not mentioned in your insurance policy does not necessarily mean you are not covered. Using our medical billing partner to help you get through this procedure is something we highly advise.
There are options if insurance will not cover the cost of your medical wig.
Option 1: If you buy your wig out of pocket, keep the receipt in case you can deduct it from your taxes. A person’s wig would qualify as a tax deduction if their medical expenses were more than 7.5% of their income. For more details, be sure to see your tax advisor.
Option 2: Discuss local resources with your doctor or social worker! Find out if you qualify for financial aid for the purchase of a hairpiece or wig by getting in touch with your neighborhood chapters of the American Cancer Society, National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), and other foundations.