SPRINGFIELD – Illinois has a new law to support individuals fighting cancer who are unable to afford a hair prosthesis, thanks to State Senator Napoleon Harris, III.

“This new law will provide some extra support to those experiencing hair loss due to alopecia, chemotherapy or radiation and have more than enough health hurdles to overcome,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “Making wigs and other scalp prostheses more accessible and available to them can provide hope and help them feel more like themselves by giving them a sense of normalcy.”

Senate Bill 2573 will require insurance plans to provide coverage for wigs or other scalp prostheses for individuals experiencing hair loss due to alopecia, chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer or other conditions.

Harris championed this new law after a constituent reached out expressing concern for his sister-in-law fighting breast cancer who was unable to afford a hair prosthesis.

Illinois will be joining 13 other states provide some sort of coverage for hair prostheses. In cases where an individual's insurance does not cover hair prostheses, a medical tax deduction may be available. However, in order to claim it, the individual's total medical expenses must exceed 7.5% of their adjusted gross income.

“People were often finding out that insurance coverage for a cranial prosthesis can vary depending on their insurance plan and company. Some plans may cover it, while others don't,” said Harris. “This new law will standardize medical plans for hair prosthesis across the state to provide folks with reassurance that it is covered.”

Senate Bill 2573 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect immediately.