Committee advances bill to require insurance coverage for scalp‑cooling systems used with chemotherapy
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Summary
A House bill to require coverage of scalp cooling systems during chemotherapy was reported to the Senate after emotional testimony from the named patient and sponsor; counsel noted fiscal impacts for Medicaid and PEIA.
The Senate Health Committee voted to report House Bill 4089 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it pass after personal testimony from the patient for whom the bill is named.
Counsel summarized the measure, saying the bill would require health policies issued or renewed after July 1, 1927, to cover scalp cooling systems for patients receiving chemotherapy and that agencies had submitted fiscal notes (PEIA reported no impact; Medicaid estimated about $565,585 on full implementation). Delegate Walt Hall, the bill's House sponsor, said the legislation is named for Jessica Huppin and described the bill—s intent to expand access.
Jessica Huppin, who identified herself as a registered nurse from Williamstown and said she was diagnosed with breast cancer at 36, described losing her hair during chemotherapy and explained how scalp cooling devices constrict scalp blood vessels and can preserve a substantial portion of hair for many patients. She told the committee that the treatment costs about $2,000 to $3,000 and that wider insurance coverage would reduce out‑of‑pocket costs and restore confidence for people undergoing treatment.
Committee members praised the bill and its sponsor; one senator noted other states had enacted similar measures and several members expressed support. With no amendments offered, the committee voted the bill out to the full Senate with a do‑pass recommendation.
The committee record shows voice votes with the chair declaring the ayes have it; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the transcript.