New York will become the first U.S. state to mandate private insurance companies cover scalp cooling for chemotherapy patients starting in 2026. This legislation aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by breast cancer patients who wish to preserve their hair during treatment.
Scalp cooling has emerged as a significant option for many undergoing chemotherapy. It works by lowering the temperature of the scalp, which helps restrict blood flow to hair follicles, ultimately reducing hair loss caused by chemotherapy drugs. According to the National Cancer Institute, costs for this treatment can range from $1,500 to $5,000 per patient, making it an expensive but often essential service for those wanting to maintain their appearance during treatment.
When Maureen Green, a finance professional and mother of two, was diagnosed with breast cancer, she chose to undergo scalp cooling at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Green expressed her fears about losing her hair, stating, “I was really afraid I would look in the mirror and really not know who I was and that I wouldn’t recognize myself.” Despite the high costs, Green and her family deemed it worthwhile, emphasizing the importance of looking like herself during a challenging time.
The new law, championed by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, who represents Manhattan’s West Side, was introduced six years ago. Rosenthal stated, “I heard about scalp cooling, and I said, ‘Well, why shouldn’t everyone have access to it?’” She acknowledged the challenges of convincing insurance companies to cover such services but affirmed the necessity of making life easier for cancer patients.
According to Andrea Smith, a nurse leader at Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Breast Service program, “Having legislation that requires insurance to pay for it is a game changer. That will change patients’ lives, their families’ lives.” While scalp cooling can sometimes lead to temporary side effects like headaches and nausea, the potential benefits of retaining hair provide significant peace of mind for patients during treatment.
Research indicates that scalp cooling devices have success rates of up to 65% in minimizing hair loss, although they do not guarantee complete preservation. Smith noted the emotional impact of hair loss on patients, stating, “We’ve seen patients choose a less optimal treatment just because they didn’t want to lose their hair. That shows how important this is for patients as they go through something so difficult.”
The upcoming law is a significant step toward improving the quality of life for breast cancer patients. By easing the financial strain associated with scalp cooling, New York aims to empower individuals undergoing treatment and help them maintain a sense of normalcy during their cancer journey.