Bill > A02683

This bill, known as the Wig Insurance Guarantee (W.I.G) Act, mandates that various health insurance providers in New York must cover cranial prostheses (defined as wigs or hairpieces) for individuals experiencing medical hair loss under specific conditions. The coverage applies to patients with diagnosed health conditions, chronic illnesses, or injuries such as alopecia areata, alopecia medicamentosa, scarring alopecia, and lupus, and requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. The bill limits coverage to once every twelve months and provides a maximum reimbursement of $750 per instance, subject to standard cost-sharing requirements. By amending multiple sections of the social services and insurance law, the bill ensures that different types of health insurance plans (including individual, group, and hospital service corporation policies) will be required to provide this coverage. The legislation will take effect immediately and apply to any policies issued, delivered, renewed, or modified on or after its effective date, providing financial support for patients who need wigs or hairpieces due to medical conditions that cause hair loss.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2683