Comprehensive Guide to Medical Wig Insurance Coverage

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We provide a detailed guide for those seeking insurance coverage for a cranial prosthesis. If you're purchasing a wig for medical reasons, this guide is specifically tailored for you.

Understanding Medical Wig Insurance Coverage

• Health Insurance Coverage: Many health insurance policies cover medical wigs, also known as cranial prostheses, for hair loss due to conditions such as alopecia, chemotherapy, and others.
• Extent of Coverage: This varies, but often includes partial to full costs for a cranial prosthesis. Some insurers cover 80-100% of the cost and may allow one prosthesis per year.

Defining Cranial Prosthesis

• Medical Necessity: A cranial prosthesis is a custom hair system designed for patients with hair loss due to medical conditions, not a fashion item.
• Conditions Covered: Includes chemotherapy, alopecia totalis, alopecia areata, trichotillomania, etc.

Checking Your Insurance Coverage

• Policy Review: Contact your insurance company to verify if your plan covers cranial prostheses. Pre-authorization is recommended.
• Coverage Details: Inquire about the types of prostheses covered, cost coverage, and specific requirements.

Prescription and Documentation

• Prescription Requirements: Obtain a prescription for a "cranial prosthesis," using this specific term and including the procedure code (A9282).
• Doctor's Support Letter: A letter from your doctor explaining the emotional impact of hair loss and the necessity of the prosthesis.
• Tax Considerations: Keep all invoices for potential tax deductions. Discuss with a CPA if medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your income.

Ordering and Billing Process

• Upfront Payment and NPI Number: Payment is required upfront for your prosthesis. We will provide a detailed invoice for insurance submission, including our NPI number to indicate our recognition and authorization by insurance companies.
• Invoice Details: The invoice will state "Cranial Prosthesis," include our tax ID number, and any other details you require for insurance submission.

Insurance Submission and Reimbursement

• Submit Documentation: Provide your insurance with the doctor’s prescription, insurance claim form, and all necessary documentation, including the invoice with our NPI number.
• Step-by-Step Guide for Reimbursement: Follow these steps to ensure a smooth insurance reimbursement process.

If Insurance Doesn’t Cover

• Tax Deductions and Financial Assistance: Save all receipts for potential tax deductions. Explore local resources and foundations for financial assistance.

Specific Insurance Company Policies

• Coverage Overview: Review the specific policies of companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Tricare, Medicare, and United Healthcare.

Additional Tips for Coverage

• Negotiating Coverage: Discuss with your employer's HR department or insurance broker about including cranial prosthesis coverage.
• Using Secondary Insurance and Appealing Denials: Inquire about secondary insurance coverage and appeal any denials with supportive documentation.

Types of Hair Loss Covered

Insurance typically covers hair loss due to a variety of medical conditions, including chemotherapy, kidney issues, cancer, alopecia, and others.

Contact and Support

• Order and Inquiries: Visit www.sheitels.com or call us at 323-496-3229. For invoice requests, email tallie@sheitels.com with your order number.
• Assistance: Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the insurance process. Your comfort and confidence are our priority.