HB3505 requires health insurance coverage for scalp cooling systems when a policy, plan, or contract already covers cancer chemotherapy treatment. The mandate applies to policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and it is added across multiple insurance frameworks in West Virginia law, including PEIA, human services-related coverage, accident and sickness insurance, group accident and sickness insurance, hospital and medical service corporations, health care corporations, and HMOs.
The bill defines a scalp cooling system as a reusable device that cools the scalp to help prevent or reduce hair loss during chemotherapy. Coverage may still be subject to the same kinds of deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments that apply to other covered benefits, as approved by the commissioner. In practical terms, the bill makes scalp cooling a covered cancer-treatment-related benefit across most major categories of regulated health coverage in the state.
Impact
HB3505 amends seven separate sections of the West Virginia Code to add a new coverage requirement for scalp cooling systems tied to chemotherapy treatment. It expands insurance benefit mandates across public employee coverage and multiple private insurance lines, meaning insurers and health plans subject to those chapters must include this benefit for applicable policies beginning with the 2026 effective date. The bill affects insurers, health plans, employers offering group coverage, and public coverage programs regulated under the cited chapters.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows strong support for the bill: it passed the House 95-0. No committee transcript or recorded floor debate was provided, so there is no evidence in the record here of organized opposition or significant controversy. The unanimous vote suggests the measure was viewed favorably as a targeted health insurance benefit expansion for cancer patients.
Contention
Because no committee discussion transcripts are available, there are no documented objections in the provided materials. The main policy issue implied by the text is the insurance mandate itself: insurers may view the bill as adding a required benefit and potential cost, while supporters likely see it as improving access to a medically related supportive therapy for chemotherapy patients. Any debate would likely center on coverage costs, medical necessity, and how the benefit is administered under existing deductibles and cost-sharing rules.
Requires health insurance coverage of scalp cooling systems in connection with cancer chemotherapy treatment; requires physicians to inform patients of scalp cooling therapy.
Requires health insurance coverage of scalp cooling systems in connection with cancer chemotherapy treatment; requires physicians to inform patients of scalp cooling therapy.
Mandates insurance coverage for scalp cooling treatments for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy treatments.
Mandates insurance coverage for scalp cooling treatments for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy treatments.