Medical Insurance Coverage and Grants For Hair Loss

The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF):

NAAF has established the Ascot Fund. This special pre-purchase program provides financial assistance towards the purchase of a custom made wig to individuals who have alopecia and are struggling financially. To find out if you qualify for a grant towards your custom made wig follow the steps below.

1. To obtain the forms please call 415-472-3780 or E-mail: info@naaf.org and ask for the Ascot Fund Application form.
2. Select the wig that you would like on our website and select check/money order for payment. We will not require payment from you at this time.
3. Request your dermatologist's signature on the DIAGNOSIS FORM
4. Review your application. Take specilal care to review your application making sure that all the steps are complete, the more information you provide the quicker your application can be processed.
5. If your application is approved you will be notified by the NAAF and we will get started on completing your custom made wig.

National Alopecia Areata Foundation
14 Mitchell Blvd.
San Rafael, CA 94903
or
PO Box 150760
San Rafael, CA 94915-0760
Phone: 415-472-3780
Fax: 415-472-5343
E-mail: info@naaf.org
Web site: www.naaf.org

Full Cranial Prosthesis for Women Experiencing Hair Loss:

Realistic Hair also provides full cranial prosthesis (full lace wigs) for women suffering from long term or permanent hair loss due to a medical condition such as chemotherapy, alopecia, Trichotillomania, or other medical conditions.

Our natural hair prostheses are the latest development in hair replacement units. They are designed to meet the specific needs of any women suffering from hair loss. Our wigs are form-fitted to become part of you, and designed to be styled as if it were your own hair. The wigs are made to look and feel natural. No one will know it is a wig. They are made with 100% Indian Remy Human Hair, and can be parted and styled in any way that you desire.

How to Apply for Health Insurance to Cover the Cost of Your Unit:

If you have hair loss due to medical reasons such as chemotherapy, alopecia, Trichotillomania, or other medical conditions, you may be eligible for full upfront medical coverage to purchase your full lace wig, or reimbursement by your health insurance company thereafter. You must request a prescription from your physician. The prescription MUST refer to your full lace wig as a "full cranial prosthesis". Most medical insurance policies will cover between 80-100% of the cost for a "full cranial prosthesis". However, if you request coverage for a wig, your claim will more than likely be denied. In addition to your prescription from your phisycian, you may also request a letter explaining hair loss and its effects, and have him state that it is not simply for cosmetic reasons but for emotional well being as well.

Your hair prosthesis may also be a tax deductible medical expense.

Steps to Follow:

• Purchase one of our hair system they will all say Full Cranial Prosthesis on the invoice.
• Check the Coverage on your insurance policy to see if it covers cranial prosthesis. Should be found under durable medical equipment (DME)
• Request your physician to write a prescription for a "full cranial prosthesis", not a wig.
• Complete any other insurance forms and be sure they are signed by your physician.
• Ask your physician to also write a letter explaining hair loss and its effects and have him state that it is not simply for cosmetic reasons but for emotional well being as well.
• Keep copies of all of your documentation and invoices for tax exempt purposes.
• The above steps are for your reference. We wish you luck in obtaining insurance coverage for your unit.
• Apply for a Grant or Voucher to Cover your Full Cranial Prosthesis (full lace wigs):

American Cancer Society:

American Cancer Society has a program available to those who qualify to assist you in purchasing a wig. If your insurance does not cover the full cost of your wig or only covers partial cost of your wig, you may quality for an allotment through the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society will issue you a voucher up to $75 to help cover the cost of your wig. You must meet certain financial guidelines. You MUST apply for this voucher BEFORE you purchase a wig. It will not be awarded for pre-made purchases.

To inquire about getting financial assistance for your wig purchase, you can contact the American Cancer Society below:

American Cancer Society
Call 1-800-227-2345
Ask to Speak to Someone Re: Financial Assistance for a Wig Purchase