Bill Reintroduced to Cover Wigs for Alopecia & Cancer Patients

WASHINGTON—Reps. Jim McGovern and Ayanna Pressley, alongside Sen. Richard Blumenthal, announced the reintroduction of the Wigs as Durable Medical Equipment Act, or HR 7546/S 3872—a bill to help support individuals affected by alopecia and patients undergoing chemotherapy. Right now, many private insurance plans cover wigs for those undergoing treatments that cause hair loss or who are affected by alopecia areata. Medicare does not currently cover wigs but the new bill would allow Medicare to cover them.

“For people impacted by alopecia or undergoing cancer treatment, a wig can make a major difference—providing them with the confidence and courage to live as normally as possible during a challenging time,” said McGovern. “But wigs can cost thousands of dollars, and despite the enormous and clear benefits they provide, Medicare doesn’t currently cover them. That needs to change. This bill is about helping make sure everyone can live their lives with dignity and confidence, regardless of who they are or how much money is in their bank account. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, and that is what this bill is about.”

The bill was introduced in 2023 under the title of Recognition of Traction Alopecia in Service Women Act of 2023 by Reps. Ayanna Pressley, Bonne Watson Coleman and Jennifer McClellan. The Recognition of Traction Alopecia in Service Women Act would amend U.S. Code 1074 C to add traction alopecia and wigs as a covered medical treatment under TRICARE, the uniformed services health care program for active-duty service members.

The bill was ultimately shot down but reintroduced by Pressley and McGovern with the addition of including coverage for wigs for those undergoing chemotherapy. McGovern and Pressley announced the reintroduction to the act in February 2026 to the House of Representatives. 

“For many impacted by medical hair loss, unaffordable and inaccessible wigs can deepen an already significant mental and physical burden,” said Pressley. “As someone living with alopecia, I know what it feels like to endure a vulnerable transformation not of my choosing. Those experiencing medical hair loss deserve to step into their own beauty and power, and I’m proud to reintroduce this bill with Congressman McGovern and Senator Blumenthal to expand coverage for wigs, relieve financial barriers and support dignity for all.”