Is hair loss included in my insurance plan?

Is hair loss included in my insurance plan?

“This is a question I’ve had to answer thousands of times…” says Ronnie Talent, owner of Legacy Hair Center in Charlotte, NC. "It depends on various factors. But there are ways to increase your chances."

Hair loss affects over 50% of men and 25% of women in their lifetime. The cost of surgical and non-treatment options could potentially be thousands of dollars.

There are several determining factors.

The type of hair loss. People can lose hair for a variety of reasons including

· Cancer

· Alopecia

· Loss of male and female patterns

· Burns and accidents

· Thyroid diseases

· Lupus

· And other diseases.

Your insurance carrier. Some airlines are determined to do everything they can to deny insurance claims, no matter how serious the situation. Others are more personable and will be happy to help you quickly with a legitimate claim.

Which hair loss treatment do you use? I have seen a handful of cases where insurance companies would consider surgical hair restoration and even laser hair therapy, but most will consider non-surgical hair replacement if the case is presented correctly.

How organized you are. Documentation is crucial if you are serious about developing your options.

When looking for a hair replacement for medical hair loss, some insurance companies will actually cover between 80% and 100% of the cost. NEVER FILE A CLAIM FOR A WIG!!! Always use the term “cranial prosthesis.”

Follow these steps to submit your claim to the insurance company:

· Review the brochure you received from your insurance company. Look for “prosthesis” under “covered expenses.”

· Obtain a written prescription for a “skull hair prosthesis” on an actual prescription form, as well as a detailed letter from the doctor explaining your hair loss and the distress you are experiencing from your treatment. It is also best to include a personal letter detailing the emotional impact of hair loss on your life. Include that a prosthetic skull is just as necessary as a prosthetic arm or leg. Also explain how important it is that you have hair for your job.

· Take a few pictures of yourself without hair. This will prove that your claim is NOT for cosmetic purposes.

· Send your receipts, prescriptions, photos and letters from the doctor and you to your insurance company.

If your insurance company denies you coverage, you can appeal by sending a letter to your claims department supervisor.

Remember, sometimes you actually have to pay out of pocket initially, but the insurance company may reimburse you. If you get rejected, keep trying! Persistence can pay off in a big way and get you the help you need.

Inspired by Ronnie Talent