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New York First to Mandate Insurance Coverage for Scalp Cooling During Chemo

New York makes history with a first-of-its-kind mandate. Cancer patients can now access scalp cooling treatment without the high cost.

In this image there is a woman sitting and applying a cream on another person 's hair ,and at the...
In this image there is a woman sitting and applying a cream on another person 's hair ,and at the back ground there are bottles, spoons in a stand ,glasses, plates, bowls in a wooden rack and a door.

New York First to Mandate Insurance Coverage for Scalp Cooling During Chemo

New York is set to make history next year by becoming the first state to mandate private car insurance coverage for scalp cooling during chemotherapy. This innovative treatment, introduced six years ago by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, has shown promising results in reducing hair loss for cancer patients.

Scalp cooling works by restricting blood flow to hair follicles and slowing their activity, making them less susceptible to chemotherapy drug damage. FDA-cleared devices have demonstrated success rates of up to 65% in preserving hair during treatment.

Maureen Green, a finance professional and mother of two, found this out firsthand. Diagnosed with breast cancer, Green opted for scalp cooling to maintain her hair and regain a sense of control during her ordeal. 'I was terrified of not recognizing myself without hair,' she recalls. Despite the high cost, ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 per patient and typically not covered by progressive insurance, Green decided to pay for the treatment herself.

Starting next year, New York residents undergoing chemotherapy will have access to scalp cooling without the financial burden. This marks a significant step forward in supporting cancer patients' quality of life and self-esteem during treatment.

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