Chemotherapy: New York and Louisiana mandate coverage for scalp cooling systems

**Why this decision is so important** Hair loss remains one of the most feared side effects of chemotherapy. It goes far beyond aesthetics and directly affects: • identity • self-esteem • social and professional life • psychological well-being • adherence to treatment For nearly 30 years, scalp cooling has been recognized as an effective solution to reduce hair loss for some people undergoing chemotherapy. However, access to this method remains largely limited due to financial barriers, as well as a lack of information among clinicians. By recognizing this method as an eligible treatment for insurance coverage, these two states are officially acknowledging its importance in the overall patient experience. **What the laws provide:** *State of New York* As of January 1, 2026, certain group health insurance plans must cover scalp cooling systems when chemotherapy treatment is covered. This requirement applies to policies issued or renewed on or after that date. *State of Louisiana* Louisiana has also adopted legislation requiring insurers to cover certain integrative oncology treatments, including scalp cooling systems, when they are used to prevent or reduce chemotherapy-related hair loss. In both cases, coverage may include standard provisions such as deductibles or co-insurance, but it removes a major barrier: the often prohibitive upfront cost of the method. **Recognition of the patient experience** These decisions send a clear message: the lived experience during treatment matters. Recognizing the importance of preserving hair during chemotherapy is recognizing the well-being and quality of life of those affected. For many women (and also men), keeping their hair can make a decisive difference in their ability to go through treatment with greater confidence and peace of mind. **A movement gaining momentum across the United States** Beyond New York and Louisiana, **7 other U.S. states are currently considering legislation to mandate coverage for scalp cooling systems used during chemotherapy.** These include Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. This legislative momentum reflects a broader movement toward better recognition of quality of life and patient experience in oncology. **A source of inspiration elsewhere** At the Fondation Garde tes cheveux, we welcome these advancements and hope they will serve as a model for other jurisdictions, in Canada and internationally. Since our founding, our mission has been clear: to inform, equip, and support people undergoing chemotherapy who wish to preserve their hair, while working to make this method more accessible and equitable. These laws demonstrate that change is possible when institutions truly listen to needs that exist alongside medical treatments. **A major advancement in Canada as well** These developments in the United States echo an equally important step taken here in Canada. On November 1, 2025, Desjardins Insurance became the first insurer in the country to recognize and cover the use of scalp cooling systems. For the Fondation Garde tes cheveux, this recognition by a major Canadian insurer represents a decisive step toward more equitable access to the method. Together, these advancements in Canada and the United States demonstrate that structural change is possible when the real needs of people affected by cancer are fully taken into account. They reinforce the hope that one day, access to scalp cooling systems will become the norm rather than the exception. **Continuing to move forward, together** Every legislative advancement, every support program, and every partnership helps move practices toward a more human-centered approach to oncology. Because preserving one’s hair during chemotherapy should never be a privilege, but an accessible choice, the Fondation Garde tes cheveux continues to work actively with local insurers to advance this cause. Learn more about our [https://gardetescheveux.org/a-propos/](mission). **Sources and references** The information presented in this article is based on official legislative and institutional sources: *State of New York* [https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A00430&term=2025](New York State Assembly – Bill A00430) [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S774](New York State Senate – Senate Bill S774) *State of Louisiana* [https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1425482](Louisiana Legislature – Act No. 227 (HB 357)) *Canada* [https://www.desjardins.com/qc/en/news/desjardins-insurance-announces-partnerships-advance-cancer-virtual-healthcare-across-canada.html](Coverage of scalp cooling systems by Desjardins Insurance) *Learn more in Québec* Consult the FAQ [https://gardetescheveux.org/en/faq-casques/est-ce-que-le-regime-provincial-d-assurance-maladie-du-quebec-ou-les-regimes-d-assurances-prives-remboursent-le-cout-de-la-location-de-casques-refrigerants/](Does the Québec provincial health insurance plan or private insurance plans reimburse the cost of renting scalp cooling caps?) to learn more. Thanks to the commitment and generosity of public and private partners, as well as community organizations, financial assistance programs for people undergoing chemotherapy who wish to preserve their hair and who meet established eligibility criteria are beginning to emerge. The Foundation will continue to actively pursue its efforts in 2026 to mobilize the community and develop new programs in order to expand access to this option across Québec. Visit our [https://gardetescheveux.org/en/obtenir-du-soutien/](Get support) section to learn more. In November 2025, the Coalition priorité cancer au Québec released a report on the use of scalp cooling systems following a roundtable discussion on the method that brought together several key stakeholders from across Québec. The report can be consulted [https://coalitioncancer.com/rapports/](here on their website).

About the Fondation Garde tes cheveux

The Fondation Garde tes cheveux is an independent registered charity whose mission is to inform and support people undergoing chemotherapy who wish to preserve their hair during treatment. The Foundation also works to educate and train clinicians across Québec in order to promote informed access to this method.