California Mandated Insurance Coverage for Scalp Cooling
Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law requiring health plans to cover scalp cooling technology for cancer patients.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Cancer
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California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1682, a new law that mandates health insurance plans and Medi-Cal to cover FDA-cleared scalp cooling systems for chemotherapy patients. This measure aims to mitigate hair loss associated with cancer treatment.
Why it matters
The legislation addresses significant disparities in access to care, as high out-of-pocket costs previously led some patients to refuse chemotherapy. By mandating coverage, the state seeks to reduce the financial burden of managing treatment side effects.
Scalp cooling systems such as Paxman, DigniCap, and Amma use portable refrigeration units to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss by 50% to 75%. Patients typically face out-of-pocket costs ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 without insurance coverage.
The players
Gavin Newsom
Gavin Newsom is the current Governor of California who signed AB 1682 into law.
California Health Benefits Review Program
This entity provides independent analysis of the medical, financial, and public health impacts of proposed health insurance mandates in California.
The details
The law requires large-group health plans to cover automated cooling systems for patients with solid tumors, including those with breast, ovarian, or colon cancer. It excludes manual cold caps stored in freezers or with dry ice, and notes that patients with specific cold-sensitivity conditions may not be candidates.
Timeline
Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1682 on September 27, 2026.
The new coverage requirement takes effect on January 1, 2027.
Health Landscape
This legislation aligns with the California Health Benefits Review Program's coverage assessment criteria to expand cancer supportive care. It marks a shift toward standardizing coverage for technologies that manage treatment-related quality-of-life impacts in oncology.
Eligible Californians undergoing chemotherapy for solid tumors can expect improved access to automated scalp cooling starting in 2027. Patients should consult their healthcare providers to determine if they are medically suitable for these systems based on their specific cancer type and health history.
The takeaway
Patients managing cancer treatments should coordinate with their medical teams to verify their eligibility for cooling systems ahead of the 2027 mandate. These technologies offer a way to maintain hair retention, potentially easing the psychological toll of chemotherapy.
Further reading
Learn more about advancements in supportive care in the California Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KPBS.
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