NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A38A
SPONSOR: Rosenthal L TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the insurance law, in relation to providing health
insurance coverage for scalp cooling systems for the preservation of
hair during cancer chemotherapy treatment
PURPOSE:
This bill would ensure coverage of scalp cooling devices to preserve
hair during chemotherapy treatment.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one amends subsection (i) ofsection 3216 of the insurance law by
adding a new paragraph 12-b.section 3221 of the insurance law
Section two amends subsection (i) ofthe insurance law by adding a new by
adding a new paragraph 12-b.
Section three amends section 4303 of subsection q-2.
Section four establishes the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Hair loss can be one of the most noticeable and devastating effects of
cancer treatment. For many women, hair loss during cancer treatment can
be debilitating and interfere with their treatment and recovery. The
side effect of hair loss creates a constant reminder of the disease and
can heighten one's feelings of loss and sadness during an already diffi-
cult process.
Chemotherapy attacks cancer cells, but can also kill other cells in the
body, including those in hair roots. Scalp cooling is a preventive mech-
anism that has been able to reduce and prevent chemotherapy-induced hair
loss. The devices used in scalp cooling restrict blood vessels in the
scalp, limiting the amount of chemo that reaches hair follicle cells.
This bill would require health insurance companies to provide coverage
for patients to access scalp cooling for hair preservation while under-
going chemotherapy treatment.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
