New Legislation Would Provide Medicare Coverage for Wigs to Cancer Patients

WATERLOO, Iowa (June 27, 2017)—Last week Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) introduced a bill that would provide coverage for wigs to Medicare beneficiaries. The bill, HR 2925 would allow wigs to be covered as durable medical equipment; opening access for Medicare beneficiaries that a dermatologist, oncologist or attending physician can certify medical necessity as a part of rehabilitative treatment.

Click here to read the full bill text.

Mary Aframe of Women’s Image Center located in Worcester and Leominster, Mass. was the champion advocate that inspired Rep. McGovern to introduce the bill. “Mary is an excellent example of advocacy for women’s health,” said Nikki Jensen, vice president of Essentially Women, a division of the VGM Group, Inc. “She recognized a need for women across America and used her passion and persistence to be a voice to get this important bill introduced.”

According to Jensen, it takes a strong commitment from a congressional office to be the lead sponsor on a bill, especially legislation related to health care. “This is the beginning of a very long road to getting this bill passed. Now is the time to build off this momentum and move this bill through Congress and to the President’s desk. No matter how small you think your voice is today, it will take providers and beneficiaries speaking out together to get us to the finish line.”

In a press release Rep. McGovern said, “Every cancer patient deserves access to quality health care that will help them undergo treatment with the support and dignity they need. For cancer patients who experience hair loss, a wig can mean so much, but is not always covered by their insurance.”

Click here to read the full release.

Essentially Women will be engaging the grassroots coalition of providers across the country to raise awareness and gain support to get HR 2925 passed through Congress. Providers are encouraged to message their members of Congress and use the phone script to call their representative through the VGM Action Center.

Visit essentiallywomen.com for more information.