Insurance Wigs
One of the worst feelings as someone who has experienced cancer is losing some of your hair. Losing your hair can affect you mentally and physically for some time after treatment. If you consider yourself an active individual and find yourself unable to be as active due to limitations on wearing a wig or getting ready easily in the morning (which leads to depression), and want to know how and why your insurance company should cover it, please read more:
A cranial hair prosthesis, often known as a medical wig or hair system, is an artificial wig made to look perfectly natural. These wigs are made to resemble your own hair so that it is not easily detectable as a wig. With the advancement of technology which includes today's human hair blend wigs, cutting-edge prosthetic laboratories can now create the illusion that one currently has hair. For those who suffer from alopecia or chemotherapy patients that need to conceal scalp reconstruction, this modern technology provides patients much more self-confidence and a sense of well-being.
HOW DO I GET MY INSURANCE TO COVER FOR MY MEDICAL WIG?
CHECK WITH YOUR INSURANCE PROVIDER.
The first thing you want to do is call your insurance provider and get a pre-approval from them before you purchase your wig. Most insurance companies at least cover a percentage of a medical wig purchase. However, the cost of your wig can vary based on the type of wig you choose. A synthetic wig may be covered completely, but you may have to pay a large portion out-of-pocket for a more expensive, human-hair wig. Therefore, it is best to check with your insurance provider to learn about their requirements and verify the amount they will cover beforehand.
A WRITTEN PRESCRIPTION FROM YOUR DOCTOR
This is really important. You will need a written prescription from your oncologist for a cranial prosthesis. The terminology is crucial. Most insurance providers require a prescription that says cranial prosthesis, hair prosthesis, cranial hair prosthesis or extracranial prosthesis. Once you have the prescription, you may purchase the wig, save the receipt, and file a claim. Your wig will be classified as a “Durable Medical Equipment” when you file your claim.
HAIR REPLACEMENT SPECIALIST WITH A TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Who you purchase the wig from is really important. Make sure to only work with a reputable, experienced hair replacement company with a current taxpayer ID number.
KEEP A PAPER TRAIL.
When working with insurance providers, it is important that you make copies of all paperwork related to your wig purchase. There is a chance your paperwork will be lost during the claims process, or your claim may be denied. This can save you a lot of time if you still have the information handy and you can just resubmit your claim.
FILE A CLAIM.
The final step! You have gotten a pre-approval from your insurance company, obtained a written prescription for a cranial prosthesis from your doctor, and you’ve purchased your wig. At this time, you should be ready to file your claim. Download and fill out the Claim Form from your insurance company’s website, and submit the following documents along with the completed insurance claim form.
- Federal Tax ID number of the company you purchased your wig from.
- Prescription from your doctor for a cranial prosthesis.
- Receipt of your wig purchase paid in full.
GET HELP FROM A PRO.
Getting reimbursed from your insurance provider can be a long and stressful process, especially when you are undergoing cancer treatments. Qualifying for a medical wig shouldn’t be made this hard, which is why we offer this service for free at Barbara's Wigs.
Our staff can help you qualify for your wig without you having to spend a dime or your time. We have a variety of beautiful wigs for you to choose from. Once you have selected your wig, we work with your doctor to obtain a prescription and file a claim with your insurance on your behalf. Then we mail it out to you.