The Illinois House of Representatives has unanimously approved a bill aimed at providing essential insurance coverage for wigs to cancer patients and individuals suffering from alopecia.
Under the bill, insurers will be mandated to cover wigs and scalp prostheses for those undergoing radiation or chemotherapy, as well as those affected by hair-loss conditions like alopecia. Starting from January 1, 2026, insurers will be obligated to provide coverage for at least one wig or scalp prosthesis every 12 months.
State Representative Yolanda Morris, D-Chicago, who sponsored the bill, emphasized its significance in offering empowerment to women facing hair loss challenges. She highlighted the financial burden associated with purchasing wigs, stating that the bill’s passage will provide relief to affected individuals.
With unanimous approval in the state Senate on April 12, the bill now awaits Governor JB Pritzker’s signature to become law. State Senator Napoleon Harris, D-Harvey, the bill’s Senate sponsor, underscored the importance of this measure in easing the burden on those experiencing hair loss. He emphasized that standardizing insurance coverage for wigs and scalp prostheses will alleviate stress and financial barriers, contributing to a sense of normalcy for affected individuals.
