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Subcommittee tables bill to require scalp‑cooling coverage for some chemo patients
Summary
HB 90, to require large-group plans to cover scalp cooling (cold caps) to reduce chemotherapy hair loss, was laid on the table 9–1 after testimony about costs and coverage variations.
Delegate Seibold presented HB 90 to require medical-insurance coverage for scalp‑cooling treatments that can reduce chemotherapy-related hair loss. Testimony from the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation and survivors described both the emotional benefit and the cost barrier: one witness said patients can pay $1,500 to $3,000 out of pocket, and a survivor said she spent $2,200 for cold capping during treatment.
Sponsor and committee members discussed scope (large-group plans), medical‑necessity definitions and whether caps or cost sharing would apply. A representative of health plans said many large plans already cover scalp cooling when medically necessary but cautioned about defining medical necessity across chemotherapy types.
The subcommittee voted to lay HB 90 on the table with a request to HERC for review, 9–1.
