***Your hairpiece may be eligible for reimbursement under your health insurance plan.***
- If you need to wear a wig because of medical reasons like Alopecia and cancer-related therapy that the "wig" should be called a "cranial hair prosthesis" for insurance purposes.
- If you file an insurance claim for reimbursement for a "wig" instead of a "cranial hair prosthesis" you will very likely be turned down.
- Most insurance companies cover between 80 to 100% of a cranial prosthesis.
- Insurance companies are realizing your cranial hair prosthesis are more and more a necessity for those recovering from Alopecia and cancer treatments. Follow some simple guidelines to assure coverage, when it is available through your insurance company. Your physician should be able to supply all the details and make the referral for the purchase of your "hair prosthesis".
- Ask your physician to write a prescription for a "cranial prosthesis".
- When receiving your hair prosthesis, have your stylist complete an invoice for a "cranial hair prosthesis"—NOT a "wig"—and use the following guidelines for filing an insurance claim:
- Check the benefits of your insurance. There should be a section under "covered expenses" relating to prostheses, prosthetic devices or medical durable equipment. Most companies don't spell out exclusions so pay attention to the actual coverage. this will help your case.
- Make sure to complete the insurance form and have it signed by your physician.
- Request that your physician write a "prescription" for a "necessary full cranial prosthesis" (not a wig) and a letter explaining hair loss and its effects. That it isn't just for cosmetic reasons but for emotional well-being as well. Keep copies of your sales or invoices for your cranial prosthesis. (Portions of unpaid items by insurance are tax deductible.)
- Enclose a letter to the insurance company stating the necessity of a prosthesis. Some optional suggestions are: include a letter from your employer, take pictures of yourself without hair,hand write a letter detailing the emotional effects that your condition has had on your life,bring a copy of your prescription and paid bill to the American Cancer Society for partial reimbursement.
Summer 2011 Press Release
Cancer Patients can get new look for 2011
Hair today, gone tomorrow? This no longer has to be the case thanks to
a new business in Los Gatos.
The business owner, Cary Biermann of COCO10 Salon, aids cancer patients by providing hair replacement systems and other devices to compensate for hair loss from chemotherapy. COCO10 Salon also provides hands-on workshops for those looking to start their own businesses and for Hair Stylists looking to increase their services to the public.
The American Cancer Society provides the " Look Good...Feel
Better" program. The program includes skin care, make-up demo, wig
care demonstrations and other cosmetic supplements such as turban and
scarf demos and nail care.
For patients, medical insurance may reimburse for "Cranial Prosthetic" (hair extensions) or wigs to boost the look and feelings of those with cancer and other medically related hair loss.
For prospective business owners, hair services are unique since no
California state license is required for work done with Hair
Extensions and Hair Pieces. “I can teach anyone to do this and make real money,” said COCO10 Salon and founder Cary Biermann.
Biermann started fast and easy hands-on training workshop in 2009,
focusing on hair extensions, hair systems (hair pieces) methodology
and applications, as well as a one day "Jump Start Your Business"
class.
For those looking to learn more, Biermann said, full training requires
only two or three days for $750.00 and up. Please call 408 395-3351 for scheduled events in 2011.
About Secrets for Hair:
Contact: Cary Biermann
Phone: 408 395-3351
Company: COCO10 Salon
American Cancer Society is the official sponsor of birthdays.
Together, we’re saving lives and creating more birthdays by helping you stay well, helping you get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back against cancer. Visit cancer.org or call 1.800.227.2345 for more information.
