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.

12/20/2024, 9:06 AM

This bill includes medically necessary cranial prostheses (e.g., wigs) as covered durable medical equipment under the Medicare program.

Bill 118 hr 4034, also known as the "Wig Coverage Act," aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include coverage for wigs as durable medical equipment under the Medicare program. This bill would allow Medicare beneficiaries who require wigs for medical reasons, such as hair loss due to chemotherapy or other medical conditions, to have their wigs covered by Medicare.

The bill recognizes the importance of wigs as a necessary medical device for individuals undergoing treatment or experiencing medical conditions that result in hair loss. By including wigs as durable medical equipment, Medicare beneficiaries would have access to financial assistance for obtaining wigs that meet their medical needs.

In addition to providing coverage for wigs, the bill also includes provisions for ensuring that the wigs meet certain quality standards and are prescribed by a healthcare provider. This is to ensure that Medicare funds are being used appropriately and that beneficiaries are receiving wigs that are medically necessary. Overall, the Wig Coverage Act seeks to improve access to necessary medical devices for Medicare beneficiaries and address the financial burden that can come with purchasing wigs for medical reasons. This bill aims to provide support for individuals facing hair loss due to medical conditions and ensure that they have access to the resources they need to maintain their quality of life.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 4034

Introduced on
2023-06-12

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

6/12/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

This bill includes medically necessary cranial prostheses (e.g., wigs) as covered durable medical equipment under the Medicare program.

Bill 118 hr 4034, also known as the "Wig Coverage Act," aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include coverage for wigs as durable medical equipment under the Medicare program. This bill would allow Medicare beneficiaries who require wigs for medical reasons, such as hair loss due to chemotherapy or other medical conditions, to have their wigs covered by Medicare.

The bill recognizes the importance of wigs as a necessary medical device for individuals undergoing treatment or experiencing medical conditions that result in hair loss. By including wigs as durable medical equipment, Medicare beneficiaries would have access to financial assistance for obtaining wigs that meet their medical needs.

In addition to providing coverage for wigs, the bill also includes provisions for ensuring that the wigs meet certain quality standards and are prescribed by a healthcare provider. This is to ensure that Medicare funds are being used appropriately and that beneficiaries are receiving wigs that are medically necessary. Overall, the Wig Coverage Act seeks to improve access to necessary medical devices for Medicare beneficiaries and address the financial burden that can come with purchasing wigs for medical reasons. This bill aims to provide support for individuals facing hair loss due to medical conditions and ensure that they have access to the resources they need to maintain their quality of life.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo 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.

Policy Areas
Health

Potential Impact
Health technology, devices, supplies•
Medicare

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary10/18/2023

This bill includes medically necessary cranial prostheses (e.g., wigs) as covered durable medical equipment under the Medicare program.


Latest Action12/17/2024
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.