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House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	January 5, 2017 10:38 AM
From:	Representative Anthony M. DeLuca
To:	All House members
Subject:	Cranial Hair Vacuum Prosthesis Coverage, HB334 of 2015

In the near future, I will be re-introducing legislation HB 334 of 2015, which will require insurance companies to provide coverage for the cost of a medically necessary cranial hair vacuum prosthesis when prescribed by a physician for a person who sustains hair loss as a result of alopecia totalis (all head hair) or alopecia universalis (all body hair). Alopecia is an unpredictable autoimmune disease where the person’s immune system attacks their hair follicles. As a result, the individual’s hair begins to fall out in large clumps. Hair can grow back in or fall out again at any time, as the disease course is different for each person. It is believed that genetics may be a factor in triggering this autoimmune reaction in conjunction with a virus or particular substance contact. Alopecia affects approximately two percent of the population overall, including more than 6.5 million people in the United States alone and over 145 million world-wide. Alopecia is a condition that does not discriminate and it can have a major psychological impact on a person’s life. It can occur at any age, and affects males and females equally. Alopecia patients are immediately confronted with the drastic change in their appearance. The implications of the disease alter how they view themselves and how society views them. Hair prosthesis can alleviate some of anguish and self-esteem loss felt by Alopecia sufferers. However, the procedures/products can often times be unaffordable for our constituents with this condition. I invite you to join me as a co-sponsor of this important legislation. Thank you.

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