Missouri Patient Seeks Mandate for Cold Cap Coverage
A Missouri breast cancer patient is lobbying for state laws to require insurance coverage for scalp cooling therapy.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Cancer
Live Poll
Should insurance companies be required to cover scalp cooling treatments for chemotherapy patients?
Crystal Lemmon, a stage three breast cancer patient from High Ridge, Missouri, is advocating for state legislation to mandate insurance coverage for scalp cooling treatments. These cold caps aim to prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss but currently lack universal insurance backing.
Why it matters
Advocates argue that insurance mandates are essential to make scalp cooling accessible for lower-income patients who cannot otherwise afford the high out-of-pocket costs. While some private insurers provide reimbursement, access remains inconsistent without legal requirements.
Scalp cooling therapy costs approximately $400 per month and requires a 10-hour session commitment per treatment. Currently, six states have enacted laws requiring insurance coverage for these systems.
The players
Crystal Lemmon
She is a resident of High Ridge, Missouri, currently undergoing treatment for stage three breast cancer.
American Cancer Society
This nationwide voluntary health organization is dedicated to eliminating cancer through research, education, and direct patient support services.
The details
Cold caps function by using extreme cold to reduce the amount of chemotherapy medication reaching a patient's hair follicles. The American Cancer Society suggests that patients speak directly with their medical care teams to weigh the specific benefits and risks of the process.
Timeline
Maryland signed scalp cooling insurance legislation in April 2026.
The Maryland coverage mandate is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Health Landscape
The effort to secure coverage in Missouri follows the legislative framework established by Maryland's scalp cooling insurance mandate. This movement reflects a broader push to classify cold capping as a necessary component of cancer care rather than a cosmetic elective.
If Missouri passes similar legislation, patients could see reduced out-of-pocket expenses for cold cap systems. Without such mandates, many patients must continue to pay the $400 monthly cost out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance reimbursement policies.
The takeaway
Patients considering this therapy should verify their current plan's coverage, as some private insurers already offer partial reimbursement. Consulting with a care team remains the most critical step in determining if the time commitment of the process aligns with an individual's treatment goals.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving standards for oncology support, visit the Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox2Now.
Live Poll
Should insurance companies be required to cover scalp cooling treatments for chemotherapy patients?
