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Bill

SB 88

AN ACT REQUIRING INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR SCALP COOLING.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aimee Berger-Girvalo and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut bill mandates health insurance coverage for scalp cooling technology during chemotherapy to prevent hair loss, requiring insurers to include treatment without discriminatory cost-sharing.

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Bill Summary · SB 88

Legislative bill overview

SB 88 would mandate that health insurance plans in Connecticut provide coverage for scalp cooling technology, a medical device used during chemotherapy to reduce hair loss in cancer patients. The bill requires insurers to include this treatment as a covered benefit without imposing discriminatory cost-sharing requirements.

Why is this important

Hair loss from chemotherapy can have significant psychological and emotional impacts on cancer patients, affecting quality of life and self-image during treatment. Scalp cooling has demonstrated clinical effectiveness in reducing chemotherapy-induced alopecia, but high out-of-pocket costs ($600-$3,000 per treatment course) currently limit access for many patients who might benefit.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost implications: Insurers may argue that mandating coverage increases premiums for all policyholders, potentially raising healthcare costs across the market
  • Medical necessity debate: Questions about whether scalp cooling should be classified as medically necessary versus an elective cosmetic treatment, which affects coverage standards
  • Access equity: Debate over whether insurance mandates effectively address disparities or simply shift costs, potentially leaving uninsured and underinsured patients without access

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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