Starting in 2019, New York state has been working to give women the right to access hair protection during breast cancer treatment using an already existing tool called the “cold cap.” This legislation expands the options available to address hair loss, one of the most notable side effects of chemotherapy, and represents a major advance in the comprehensive care of patients affected by this disease.
laws regarding Hair protection for breast cancer patients It had already been agreed to in mid-2024 after a strong campaign by patient groups, medical professionals and state legislators. And New York state requires health insurance companies to take over coverage for treatment.
Its main purpose is to help patientsscalp cooling system” is a technology approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015. alopecia Produced by chemotherapy.
According to a report, these systems cool the scalp during chemotherapy, reducing blood flow and the amount of drug reaching the hair follicles. American Cancer Society, Published in 2024.
Scalp cooling devices have not been covered by insurance companies since 2015, since they were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). $1200 and $4000.
In New York State’s efforts, insurance company The aim is to cover the cost of these systems for patients diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, as long as the technology is approved and recommended by a doctor.
It also sets out regulations regarding the information and fair access that must be provided to patients during diagnosis and treatment planning. According to the New York State Department of Health, the measure is expected to benefit thousands of women annually and reduce the psychological and social impact of the treatment process.
On October 6, 2025, the news site ABC News reported, “Starting next year, New York will become the first state in the nation to reduce this burden with a new law requiring private insurance companies to cover scalp cooling for chemotherapy patients.”
In an excellent article, ABC News went back to the origins of this initiative, which greatly helps the suffering of women suffering from breast cancer. “Congresswoman Linda Rosenthal, a Democrat who represents Manhattan’s west side, helped introduce this bill six years ago. Rosenthal acknowledged that pressuring insurance companies to cover new services is never easy, but she and State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Queens) were instrumental in passing the bill.
Supporters of the new law argue that hair preservation is not just an “aesthetic” issue, but has profound implications for self-esteem, social and professional lives, and psychological well-being. Dr. Rebecca Fisher, a medical oncologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, explained, “Hair loss is a constant reminder of the illness and can make it difficult to return to work, interact with children, and even perform daily activities outside the home.” new york times.
Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Linda Rosenthal, who represents Manhattan’s west side and is heavily involved in the effort, exclaimed, “Making cancer patients’ lives easier is worth everything, because cancer patients have so much to face.” “If you can go out and be yourself and not think all the time, ‘Oh, I’m like sick and everyone knows it,’ that’s important,” he later added.
However, although some critics point out that blanket adoption of these technologies could increase costs for the health care system, most experts agree that their mandatory inclusion is fully justified given the psychological, social, and occupational benefits.
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