Health Insurance Coverage, Grants or Vouchers

If a person requires a cranial prosthesis due to Medical-related hair loss such as Alopecia, Trichotillomania, or Cancer-related therapy, they may be eligible for reimbursement under their health insurance. Most insurance companies will cover from 70% to 100 % of the cost for cranial prosthesis.

1. Check your insurance benefits section under "covered expense" relating to prosthesis, prosthetic devices, or durable medical equipment. Most companies don't spellout exclusions, so pay attention to the actual coverage. This will help your case.
2. Complete your insurance claims form (usually found on the internet) and have is signed by your physician.
3. Request that your physician write a "PRESCRIPTION" for a "FULL CRANIAL PROSTHESIS" and a letter explaining hair loss and its effects. The letter should indicate that the need for the prosthesis is not just for cosmetic reasons, but for your emotional well-being as well .
4. Notify us about your medical need for alternative hair and we will  send you a receipt for a cranial prosthesis.
5. Keep copies of your receipts for your cranial prosthesis, and for haircuts from your stylist should you get your cut to your specification.
6. Send your sales receipts for your cranial prosthesis.
7. Enclose a letter to the insurance company stating the necessity of a prosthesis.
8. If your insurance company denies insurance coverage, you can appeal.
9. Never file an insurance claim for a wig.  Always call it a CRANIAL PROSTHESIS.
10. If you don’t have insurance, contact your state or county agencies. The county department of social services usually offers medical assistance in most states for individuals who meet certain income guidelines.
11. Optional items to include in your submission packet to your insurance company:  1) Letter from your employer 2) photos of yourself without hair 3) A letter from you detailing the emotional toll that your condition has taken on your life.

 Shar's Hair has provider status through three major insurance companies...........

If you purchase a Hair Prosthesis with Shar's Hair the following insurance providers will cover the cost of any type of Hair Prosthesis while receiving therapy for chemo treatments. If your insurance provider is not listed we will summit a purchase receipt with our provider number for reimbursement.  Call our Customer Service line for questions from 5pm to 10pm Eastern time at 866 721-8537 or 317 652-6300.

• Indiana Health Network (IHN), (http://www.ihnppo.com/about.htm)
• Suburban Health organization, (http://www.suburbanhealth.com/Default.aspx)
• HFN, Inc.    (http://www.hfninc.com/)
• Aetna Ins.

If your insurance coverage is denied, you can appeal it:

1. ask for review by a medical review board, include the original claim.
2. ask for a written reply as to why the claim was denied.
3. send a letter to the claims department supervisor.

These steps are for reference. Remember to follow the procedures outlined by your insurance company to receive the fullest benefits possible. Individual insurance companies as well as the state insurance board (each state varies) may have other or additional steps to complete.

Other Payment Options

 American Cancer Society:

American Cancer Society has a program available to those who qualify to assist you in purchasing a wig. If your insurance does not cover the full cost of your wig or only covers partial cost of your wig, you may quality for an allotment through the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society will issue you a voucher up to $75 to help cover the cost of your wig. You must meet certain financial guidelines. You MUST apply for this voucher BEFORE you purchase a wig. It will not be awarded for pre-made purchases. 

To inquire about getting financial assistance for your wig purchase, you can contact the American Cancer Society below:

American Cancer Society Call 1-800-227-2345
Ask to Speak to Someone Re: Financial Assistance for a Wig Purchase

The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF):

NAAF has established the Ascot Fund. This special pre-purchase program provides financial assistance toward the purchase of a hairpiece to individuals who have alopecia areata and are struggling financially. To find out if you qualify, please contact them below:

 E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web site: www.naaf.org