Insurance for Hair Systems - NYC

Will my insurance pay for wigs in New York?

While Lucinda Ellery does not accept insurance and is not in network with insurance companies, these are general guidelines and does not assume or guarantee reimbursement.

This page is for clients who are looking for a hair system in New York when the hair loss is caused by a medical condition. Examples of medical hair loss would be those who have lost hair from chemotherapy, alopecia areata, trichotillomania, PCOS or other medical reasons.

It takes a little work on your part, but there is a chance that your private health insurance may help reimburse you for some of the costs. (At this time Medicare and Medicaid do not support this type of claim.)

Step One

Contact your health insurance provider Benefits Service Team

Ask them:

Does your policy cover cranial prosthetics?

In New York, a cranial prosthetic is a hair system or wig that is specifically for hair loss caused by a medical condition. Sometimes cranial prosthetics are not listed in your insurance but that does not mean that you don't have coverage for it. It's worth the extra steps.

This is especially true if your hair loss is caused by cancer, radiation, alopecia areata, trichotillomania, PCOS or other medical conditions.

How much of the cost will they cover?

That is completely up to your individual policy, but all insurances require specific paperwork in order to even be considered.

What documentation do they require in order for you to submit a claim?

Step Two

Obtain a prescription from your doctor for a Cranial Prosthetic

You cannot submit a claim without this in hand so it is imperative that your medical doctor or specialist fill out a prescription for a cranial prosthetic along with what the cause is. e.g. Condition caused by cancer treatments, alopecia areata, trichotillomania, etc.

You are not seeking a "wig" you are seeking a "cranial prosthetic". Wigs are for fashion purposes not medical ones.

You may want to ask your physician to also write a short letter explaining hair loss and its effects on you. That it is not simply a cosmetic choice but a medical necessity for your emotional well-being.

Be sure they use the Medical Procedure Code: A9282 on their prescription.

We will provide you with an itemized invoice after your custom hair system is created and fitted. It will have our name, tax ID number, etc.

Step Three

Send the Claim to your Insurance Company

Take the medical prescription, your invoice from Lucinda Ellery, and any documentation that your insurance company requires, and submit your claim to your insurance company.

Step Four

Wait For Approval

Keep in mind that this may take quite a while to receive their decision.

Once you receive their ruling, you can resubmit with additional information as needed.

Keep at it.

You can also request that the decision be reviewed by their medical review board.

Step Five

What if it is Denied?

That can happen. But even if it is denied, there are cases where you may be able to use your FSA or HSA card for payment. And some portions of the unpaid items by insurance may be tax deductible.

Keep that letter of medical necessity attached to your Lucinda Ellery hair system invoice and payment record for tax filing purposes.

Ready to learn more about our fully custom, patented hair systems?

 

Set Up Your Free Consultation

If you're not already a client then you can contact us to arrange a free initial consultation at our New York studio, either by phone

Tel: (212) 359-1641

or using the form on our New York contact page