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HB 1427

State employees; require state health benefit plan to cover cranial prostheses for certain covered persons

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Park Cannon and 3 co-sponsors

Georgia would require state health plans to cover cranial prostheses for employees with medical hair loss from cancer treatment, alopecia, or similar conditions.

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Bill Summary · HB 1427

Legislative bill overview

HB 1427 would require Georgia's state health benefit plan to cover cranial prostheses (wigs, hairpieces, and related devices) for state employees and their dependents experiencing hair loss from medical conditions or treatments. The bill mandates this coverage for individuals who have experienced hair loss due to alopecia, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other medical causes.

Why is this important

Hair loss from medical treatments like cancer therapy can significantly impact mental health, self-esteem, and social functioning during an already difficult time. Adding cranial prosthesis coverage to state health plans recognizes this psychological and medical need while potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs for affected state employees, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per prosthesis.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Expanding health plan coverage increases premiums or reduces other benefits unless offset by plan restructuring; the bill does not specify funding mechanisms or cost estimates
  • Definition scope: "Certain covered persons" and qualifying conditions may be ambiguous, potentially leading to disputes over who qualifies and what types of devices are covered
  • Precedent concerns: Coverage expansion could trigger requests to cover other appearance-related items or conditions, raising questions about where to draw coverage lines

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

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