Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Wigs for Cancer Patients?

Navigating Insurance Coverage for Hair Loss during Cancer Treatment

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States, offers coverage for a variety of medical expenses, including those related to cancer treatment. One question that often arises is whether BCBS covers wigs for cancer patients. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the specific policy and the state in which the patient resides.

Coverage Details

BCBS policies typically cover wigs for cancer patients under the category of prosthetic devices. However, coverage may vary depending on the type of wig and the reason for hair loss. For example, some policies may cover wigs that are medically necessary to protect the scalp after surgery or radiation therapy, while others may only cover wigs that are used for cosmetic purposes.

State Laws

In addition to policy coverage, state laws can also impact whether wigs are covered by BCBS. According to the American Cancer Society, 30 states have laws that require health insurance companies to cover wigs for cancer patients. These laws vary in terms of the specific requirements, such as the type of wig covered and the amount of coverage provided.

Success Stories

Testimonial 1:

"I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and lost my hair during chemotherapy. I was so self-conscious about going out in public without hair, but thanks to BCBS, I was able to get a wig that made me feel more confident." - Mary, a cancer survivor from California

Testimonial 2:

"My son was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 5 years old. He lost his hair during treatment, and we were worried about how to help him feel better about himself. BCBS covered his wig, which gave him a sense of normalcy during a difficult time." - Sarah, a mother of a cancer survivor from Florida

Testimonial 3:

"I am a cancer survivor and I have been wearing wigs for over 10 years. I am so grateful for the coverage that BCBS provides for wigs. It allows me to live my life with confidence and dignity." - Emily, a cancer survivor from Texas

Coverage Table

State	BCBS Wig Coverage
California	Covered for medically necessary wigs
Florida	Covered for cosmetic and medically necessary wigs
Texas	Not covered for cosmetic wigs

Policy Table

Policy	Wig Coverage
BCBS Standard	Covered for medically necessary wigs
BCBS Premium	Covered for cosmetic and medically necessary wigs
BCBS Select	Not covered for wigs

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Wigs for Cancer Patients?