If you’re currently experiencing hair loss due to a medical condition, you may be experiencing sticker shock from your insurance deductible and copay.
Perhaps you’re thinking that forgoing a wig is an unfortunate but necessary way to cut back on your expenses – perhaps in favor of a head scarf or hat. But before you make a final decision, you should know that some insurance companies either fully or partially cover wigs as a legitimate medical expense – if you know how to approach the situation.
Get A Copy Of Your Policy
Before you talk to your insurance agent about a wig, request a copy
of your complete policy (not the summary of benefits that you may have already received) to see if it covers prostheses in general. Although the term “wig” will probably not appear, a “cranial prosthesis” or extra-cranial prosthesis” may be covered.
If your policy does not cover prostheses, it will not cover a wig. However, if it does cover prostheses and wigs or “cranial prostheses” are not specifically excluded, you may be eligible for full or partial coverage.
Note that even if your insurance company does cover the wig cost, you may need to pay for it up front and then apply for a reimbursement.
Get A Doctor’s Prescription
A wig only qualifies as a prosthesis if it has been prescribed by your doctor. Before you contact your insurance company, make sure you have a prescription properly written out by your physician. This step distinguishes wig use for purely cosmetic purposes from wig uses for legitimate medical purposes. Make a copy of this prescription and keep it with your records.
Get Your Exact Diagnosis
In addition to a doctor’s prescription, you will also need to supply your insurance company with your exact diagnosis in order to be eligible for coverage. For example, it is not enough to have “cancer.” You must specify that your doctor has diagnosed you with “breast cancer” or a similar specific ailment.
Call It A Hair Prosthesis
Never refer to your hairpiece as a “wig” when talking to your
insurance company. “Wigs” are not covered by any plan, and you may have your claim denied simply on a technicality. Always refer to it as a cranial prosthesis and make sure your doctor does the same, both in his office’s communications with the insurance company and on your prescription.
If you have questions about wigs or are looking for a wig for yourself, a family member, or a friend, our compassionate staff is ready to answer your questions. Visit us at our Mount Laurel location or contacts us to schedule a private and confidential appointment.
Give us a call at 856-235-3534!
Wig-A-Do is pleased to serve our friends and neighbors in Moorestown, NJ; Maple Shade, NJ; Cinnaminson, NJ; Cherry Hill, NJ; Marlton, NJ; Willingboro, NJ; Pennsauken, NJ; Haddonfield, NJ; Collingswood, NJ; Burlington, NJ; Mount Holly, NJ; Audubon, NJ; Camden, NJ; Lindenwold, NJ; Atlantic City, NJ; Pittman, NJ; Ventnor, NJ, and the surrounding communities.
