TIPS FOR OBTAINING COVERAGE FOR LACE FRONT UNITS

*You must use the term "cranial prosthesis", not "wig" when filing insurance claim.

1. BENEFIT BOOKLET: First check the "benefit booklet" given to you by your insurance carrier. This lists in detail all of the covered expenses under your particular plan. Look for the section under "covered expenses" relating to "prosthesis," "cranial prosthesis," or "prosthetic devices,". Photocopy this page.

2. CLAIM FORM: Complete the claim form provided by your insurance carrier.

3. PRESCRIPTION FROM YOUR DOCTOR: Obtain a written prescription for a "cranial prosthesis" on an actual prescription form. Also, request a detailed letter from your doctor explaining the extent of your hair loss and the mental distress you have experienced due to your medical treatment. Ask your doctor to use the words "cranial prosthesis" as it is considered a medically necessary item. A brief letter from a psychiatrist may also be beneficial, if available.

4. SALES RECEIPT: Have the salesperson or stylist write up a sales receipt or invoice for a cranial prosthesis. This can be provided at Mane Emotions.

5. PHOTO: Take some pictures of yourself without your hair and make-up. This will immediately show that your claim is not for cosmetic purposes.

6. PERSONAL HANDWRITTEN LETTER: Detail the emotional effects that alopecia areata or your medical treatment has had on your life. Discuss the financial aspects of frequent wig purchases. Advise that a cranial prosthesis is as medically necessary as a prosthetic limb or breast. It replaces a missing body part-hair.

THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES HAVE COVERED CRANIAL PROSTHESES, AT LEAST IN PART, HOWEVER, EACH CARRIER OPERATES DIFFERENTLY IN EACH STATE.

John Hancock Insurance Company                           Metropolitan Life-80%

 Blue cross- Massachusetts, California                    Blue Cross Blue Shield-80-100                            

Metropolitan

Educator of New York                                                  Aetna-80-100%

Prudential Life Insurance                                            Ohio Health Choice

C.I.G.N.A.                                                                       Emerald Health Network-100%

Travelers-Massachusetts-6%                                     Med Choice

Provident Mutual-80%                                                 Midwest Benefits Corp.

Equitable Life

Note: These statistics were arrived at after surveying 100 patients. (These included individuals undergoing chemotherapy and those diagnosed with Alopecia as well).