Medicare Coverage for Wigs: Do Cancer Patients Receive Financial Assistance for Hair Replacements?
In the journey of fighting cancer, losing one's hair due to treatment can be a challenging experience. While Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not typically cover wigs as they are considered cosmetic and not medically necessary, there is some good news for those enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.
Many Medicare Advantage plans offer a wig allowance as an additional benefit, providing a financial relief for cancer patients. This allowance can range up to around $500 per year for wigs due to hair loss from cancer treatment. However, it's important to note that the coverage and amount may vary by plan.
To ensure you have the right coverage, it's essential to check specific plan benefits. Review each plan’s Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage to see if a wig allowance or coverage for cranial prosthetics is included. Remember, Medicare Advantage plans differ widely in benefits and restrictions, so comparing plans to find one with wig coverage and a low out-of-pocket maximum may save money overall, especially for patients undergoing cancer treatments leading to hair loss.
Once you've found a suitable plan, confirm the coverage details with your insurance company. Ask about wig coverage, any limits on the allowance, the process for prior authorization if required, and whether the wig must be purchased from certain vendors.
It's also worth considering supplemental insurance from private companies, as some cancer-specific policies may provide financial assistance for wigs and other cancer-related expenses.
If you don't have a Medicare Advantage plan, help to cover the cost of a wig may be available from nonprofit organisations and local resources. The American Cancer Society offers advice and support to people experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatment, and local chapters may provide resources to help people with cancer obtain free or low-cost wigs.
Local salons and stylists can also provide general information about selecting and caring for wigs, and may also trim a wig to customize it for an individual.
When choosing a wig, consider saving a lock of hair to match the color, taking pictures of the current style before treatment, using natural light to compare the wig color to the natural hair color, taking head measurements with air, wet, or slicked down, and finding an adjustable wig.
The decision to wear a wig is a personal choice, and some people may choose to wear other head coverings such as scarves or hats instead.
Lastly, it's important to note that a wig that a person buys due to experiencing hair loss from cancer treatment is a tax-deductible medical expense.
The Centers for Medicaid & Medicare (CMS) oversees Medicare guidelines and plans, ensuring that patients receive the coverage they need during their cancer journey. The average monthly premium for Part C Medicare Advantage plans in 2025 is around $17.00.
In summary, while Original Medicare does not cover wigs, many Medicare Advantage plans offer a wig allowance for cancer-related hair loss. Patients should verify this benefit during the plan selection process and confirm any requirements or limits with their Medicare Advantage insurer.
- Many healthorganizations, such as the American Cancer Society, offer resources to help cancer patients who experience hair loss due to treatment, including information on acquiring free or low-cost wigs.
- Cancer patients enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans may receive a financial relief through a wig allowance, which can be up to around $500 per year for wigs due to hair loss from cancer treatment.
- When choosing a wig, considering saving a lock of hair to match the color, using natural light to compare the wig color to the natural hair color, taking head measurements with air, wet, or slicked down, and finding an adjustable wig can help in making the best selection.
- While medicare generally does not cover wigs, California Science and medical-conditions advancements have led the Centers for Medicare & Medicare (CMS) to consider wigs a tax-deductible medical expense for those experiencing hair loss from cancer treatment.
- If a patient does not have a Medicare Advantage plan, supplemental insurance from private companies may provide financial assistance for wigs and other cancer-related expenses.
