On November 14, 2007, a hearing was held for Massachusetts State Senate Legislative Bill No. 648, “An Act Providing Health Insurance Coverage for Scalp Hair Prostheses”. The Bill was written to allow scalp prostheses for patients with alopecia areata, alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis to be covered under their health insurance plan.

The day at the State House of Massachusetts was impressive to say the least. A special thank you to those who gave oral testimony including Dr. Lynne Goldberg, Patrick Humphries, Susie Flug, Danielle Olivero and Anar Shar, as well as all of the supporters who attended the hearing.  Though the difficult part is over, now the waiting phase begins. After the Executive Committee meets to discuss Bill No. 648 and the oral and written testimony they received in support of the Bill, they will make some important decisions as to the future of this Bill; next steps won’t be determined until this vital decision is made. Thank you again to Chrissa Kaselis who led this effort. It’s amazing what a volunteer with a lot of passion can accomplish! We will keep NAAF’s advocacy community updated on this important legislation.

Barbara Figura of New York is determined to make an old bill new news in New York. The New York State Assembly Bill A07829 would require “group health plans and health insurance issuers to cover costs for scalp prostheses worn for hair loss suffered as a result of alopecia areata, alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis.” It has been languishing in the Insurance Committee since 2002. There does not appear to be a companion bill in the New York Senate at this time.

According to an Assembly Staff Member, bills do not reach the floor of the Legislature for a vote unless it is assured of passing. That means that the Committees and their leadership have a great deal of power. To reach these individuals, Barbara has created a list of all members of the Assembly Insurance Committee and their home districts. Each Assembly member has a web page with their contact information. Her goal is to have each committee member receive an email supporting passage of this bill from individuals residing in their district and have a face to face meeting with someone with AA, AT or AU. Grassroots advocacy at its purest, and most effective form.

NAAF needs our New York residents to step up to the plate on this exciting local campaign. If you would like to help Barbara make a difference, please email me directly, lisa@naaf.org. I will put you in contact with Barbara, who has already designed several templates for letters to be used in the campaign.