Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Committee hears testimony on requiring insurance coverage for scalp‑cooling during chemotherapy
Summary
Witnesses including survivors, oncologists and device makers urged the Health and Government Operations Committee to require private insurers to cover scalp‑cooling (cold cap) systems to reduce chemo‑related hair loss; lawmakers asked about cost, scope, and whether the Maryland Health Care Commission would review any mandate.
House Bill 11-87 would require health insurers to cover scalp‑cooling systems (commonly called cold caps), a treatment some patients use to reduce chemotherapy‑induced hair loss.
Sponsor Delegate Latoya Congola said scalp cooling can preserve patients’ dignity and confidence and noted bipartisan interest. Multiple cancer survivors and advocates testified they paid thousands out of pocket to keep their hair during treatment and described the therapy’s emotional benefit. Amy Tanner, a breast cancer patient, said her cold‑capping cost was $2,500 and that insurance would have made the treatment feasible for more patients. Liz Lord, who founded a nonprofit fund, said her group has provided…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
