Maryland Bill: Insurance Coverage for Scalp Cooling During Chemo

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland lawmakers are currently considering legislation that would mandate insurance coverage for scalp cooling, a treatment designed to help cancer patients retain their hair during chemotherapy. The bill, receiving bipartisan support, aims to alleviate a significant emotional and psychological burden for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

The House Health Committee recently held a hearing to discuss the proposed legislation. Advocates and cancer survivors testified in favor of the bill, emphasizing the importance of maintaining dignity and a sense of normalcy throughout the challenging process of fighting cancer.

Rossalynn Ripper, a cancer survivor and advocate, explained the mechanics of scalp cooling during her testimony. “So it’s a cap that’s fitted over your head that’s connected to a coolant machine that runs anywhere from negative 1 Celsius to negative 4 Celsius and what that does is it brings the hair follicle to a very cold point so the chemo therapy can’t get to the hair follicle which causes hair loss,” she stated. Ms. Ripper personally benefited from the treatment, successfully retaining her hair throughout her chemotherapy regimen.

Hair loss is a common and often distressing side effect of chemotherapy. The visible nature of this side effect can be particularly difficult for patients, serving as a constant reminder of their illness. The proposed legislation seeks to address this issue by making a potentially beneficial treatment more accessible.

Delegate Natoya Nkongolo, a Republican from Anne Arundel County and the bill’s primary sponsor in the House, highlighted the psychological impact of hair loss. She recounted a scenario she presented to fellow delegates, illustrating the significance of hair in a person’s identity and self-image. “I started out by saying, I want you to go home and shave your head and come back to work the next day, men, and women. And you know when I painted the picture for the delegates it painted for just how important hair is. We don’t think about it until it’s gone,” Delegate Nkongolo explained.

While a similar bill was introduced last year, it required further refinement. However, both Delegate Nkongolo and advocates involved in the effort are optimistic about the current legislation’s chances of passage this year.

The push for insurance coverage of scalp cooling is gaining momentum nationally. February 6, 2026, Medscape reported that two states already mandate insurance coverage for the procedure, signaling a growing recognition of its value to patients. This growing trend suggests a shift in how healthcare systems are addressing the quality-of-life concerns of cancer patients.

The treatment, often referred to as “cold capping,” works by constricting blood vessels in the scalp, reducing the amount of chemotherapy drugs that reach the hair follicles. This can significantly minimize hair loss, allowing patients to maintain a more normal appearance during treatment. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of scalp cooling can vary depending on the type of chemotherapy regimen, the individual patient, and other factors.

The current lack of consistent insurance coverage creates a financial barrier for many patients who could benefit from scalp cooling. The cost of the procedure can be substantial, potentially exceeding several hundred dollars per treatment session. Advocates argue that covering scalp cooling is a matter of equity, ensuring that all cancer patients have access to treatments that can improve their quality of life.

Forbes recently highlighted the broader implications of this legislative effort, framing it as an example of how collective action can drive positive change in healthcare. The article emphasized the power of patient advocacy and the importance of addressing gaps in coverage that impact patient well-being.

The Maryland legislation represents a significant step towards addressing the “cold cap coverage gap,” as described by Fierce Healthcare. This gap refers to the inconsistent insurance coverage for scalp cooling across different states and insurance plans. Closing this gap would provide more equitable access to this potentially valuable treatment option for cancer patients nationwide.

The outcome of the Maryland bill will likely be closely watched by advocates and policymakers in other states considering similar legislation. The growing awareness of the benefits of scalp cooling, coupled with the increasing demand for patient-centered care, suggests that more states may follow suit in the coming years, expanding access to this treatment and improving the lives of cancer patients.