
If you're considering a cranial prosthesis, understanding what insurance covers is crucial. Some insurance plans, like Medicare, cover cranial prosthesis costs for certain medical conditions.
Medicare Part A typically covers cranial prosthesis costs for individuals with cancer or other conditions that require removal of part of the skull. This coverage may also extend to individuals with a congenital condition.
Some insurance plans, like Medicaid, may also cover cranial prosthesis costs for low-income individuals or those with disabilities. However, the specifics of coverage vary by state.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance companies have varying policies when it comes to covering cranial prosthesis. You'll want to check your policy to see if it covers the cost of a cranial prosthesis and how much of the cost is covered. Most insurance companies will cover between 80-100% of the cost for your cranial prosthesis.
However, it's essential to note that some insurance companies exclude coverage for wigs as they are considered cosmetic. Medicare, for example, doesn't cover wigs under Original Medicare Part A or B, even with a doctor's prescription. You'll need to review your policy and contact your health insurance provider to determine the specifics of your coverage.
Here are some specific insurance company policies to keep in mind:
Keep in mind that coverage and reimbursement rates may vary depending on your specific policy and insurance provider.
Coverage for Cranial Prostheses
Coverage for Cranial Prostheses can be a bit tricky, but it's worth exploring to see if your insurance plan covers the cost. Most insurance companies will cover between 80-100% of the cost for a cranial prosthesis.
To get started, you'll need to find out if your policy covers the cost of a cranial prosthesis and how much of the cost is covered. Your medical provider can help you request a prescription for a cranial prosthesis, including the diagnosis code and procedure code.
It's a good idea to ask for a letter clarifying that your selected cranial prosthesis is medically necessary for your emotional well-being, rather than simply cosmetic. Keep in mind that individuals should discuss this with their provider and health insurance company, as coverage can vary.
Some insurance companies have specific requirements for cranial prosthesis coverage. For example, Aetna reimburses participating providers at a rate of $1,000 for wigs (cranial prostheses) with diagnosis code A9282.
Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about coverage for cranial prostheses from different insurance companies:
Remember to review your insurance policy carefully and call your Health Insurance Provider if you don't see cranial prosthesis listed.
Hair Loss Types
Hair loss due to cancer treatment is covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield, with benefits paid at 100% of the billed amount, limited to $350 for one wig per lifetime.
Blue Cross Blue Shield does not cover cranial prosthesis for hair loss.
Specifically, Blue Cross Blue Shield covers wigs for hair loss due to cancer treatment, but does not cover other types of hair loss.
This coverage is a one-time benefit, limited to $350 for a single wig.
Understand Your Policy
To get a cranial prosthesis covered by your insurance, you'll need to call your insurer and ask about your policy. Many policies won't list coverage for a cranial prosthesis in literature or on their website.
You'll want to ask your insurer several questions to understand your coverage. You can start by asking if you have coverage for a cranial prosthesis.
Some insurance companies will reimburse for more than one cranial prosthesis per year, but it's best to check with your insurer to confirm their policy. You can also ask about the most that insurance will reimburse for each cranial prosthesis.
You'll want to know if you need specifics about the prosthesis for reimbursement, such as customization or a certain type of cap (medical grade). Some insurers may require this information to process your claim.
You can also ask about "in-network" retailers for purchasing a wig, as buying in-network may maximize your benefit. Additionally, you'll want to know the specific process to submit a claim for reimbursement.
Here are some key questions to ask your insurer:
- Do I have coverage for a cranial prosthesis?
- How many cranial prostheses can I receive reimbursement for each year?
- What is the most that insurance will reimburse for each cranial prosthesis?
- Do I need specifics about the prosthesis for reimbursement?
- Are there "in-network" retailers for purchasing a wig?
- What is the specific process to submit a claim for reimbursement?
Cranial Prosthesis Details
If you have a wig or hair prosthesis, you'll need a prescription from your physician with the diagnosis code A9282 to qualify for reimbursement from Tricare.
Aetna reimburses participating providers for wigs at a rate of $1,000 for diagnosis code A9282.
Medicare doesn't cover wigs, even with a doctor's prescription, because they consider them cosmetic.
United Healthcare excludes coverage for wigs and hair prosthesis unless they're specifically listed as a covered health care service.
Policy Coverage
Your insurance policy may cover the cost of a cranial prosthesis, but it depends on your specific plan and provider.
Most insurance companies will cover between 80-100% of the cost for your cranial prosthesis, but this can vary greatly depending on your policy and provider.
To get started, find out if your policy covers the cost of a cranial prosthesis and how much of the cost is covered. Your medical provider can help you request a prescription for a cranial prosthesis, including the diagnosis code and procedure code.
It's also a good idea to ask for a letter clarifying that your selected cranial prosthesis is medically necessary for your emotional well-being, rather than simply cosmetic.
Some insurance companies, like Aetna, offer reimbursement rates for participating providers of wigs, while others, like Medicare, consider wigs to be cosmetic and aren't covered.
To determine if your policy covers a cranial prosthesis, you can call your insurer and ask about your policy. You can also check with your Human Resources Benefits Manager if your health insurance is through your employer.
Some questions to ask your insurer include:
- Do I have coverage for a cranial prosthesis?
- How many cranial prostheses can I receive reimbursement for each year?
- What is the most that insurance will reimburse for each cranial prosthesis?
- Do I need specifics about the prosthesis for reimbursement?
- Are there “in-network” retailers for purchasing a wig?
Here are some specific insurance company policies to be aware of:
Keep in mind that even if your policy doesn't explicitly mention cranial prosthesis coverage, it's still worth calling your insurer to ask about your policy. Some insurance companies may not list coverage for a cranial prosthesis in literature or on their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to bill for a cranial prosthesis?
To bill for a cranial prosthesis, use either D5924 or S8095, as both codes are accepted for this medical device. Verify the correct code to use based on your specific patient's needs and insurance requirements.
Sources
- https://coilstolocsstore.com/pages/health-insurance-reimbursement-tips
- https://shulywigs.com/services/cranial-prosthesis/
- https://www.naaf.org/wig-resources/how-to-get-your-wig-costs-reimbursed-by-health-insurance/
- https://www.cranialprosthesis.net/about/wigs-covered-by-insurance/
- https://www.wigs.com/pages/wigs-covered-by-insurance
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