Maryland Lawmakers Consider Bill to Require Insurance Coverage for Scalp Cooling

The legislation would mandate insurance companies cover a procedure that helps cancer patients retain their hair during chemotherapy.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Maryland lawmakers are considering a bipartisan bill that would require insurance companies to cover scalp cooling, a procedure that helps cancer patients keep their hair during chemotherapy treatment. Cancer survivors and advocates have testified in support of the legislation, explaining how the procedure works and emphasizing the psychological importance of hair retention during cancer treatment.

Why it matters

The loss of hair is a visible sign of illness for many cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and can negatively impact their mental health and sense of dignity. This legislation aims to make scalp cooling more accessible and affordable for those going through cancer treatment.

The details

The scalp cooling procedure involves a cap fitted over the patient's head that is connected to a coolant machine. The cap brings the hair follicles to a very cold temperature, preventing the chemotherapy drugs from reaching and damaging them, which is what typically causes hair loss. Cancer survivor Rossalynn Ripper testified that the treatment allowed her to keep her hair throughout her entire chemotherapy regimen.

  • The House Health Committee heard testimony on the bipartisan bill on February 5, 2026.
  • The legislation was introduced last year but needed additional work before being considered again this year.

The players

Rossalynn Ripper

A cancer survivor and advocate who testified in favor of the legislation, explaining how the scalp cooling procedure works and how it allowed her to retain her hair during chemotherapy.

Delegate Natoya Nkongolo

A Republican from Anne Arundel County and the lead sponsor of the bill in the House, who emphasized the psychological importance of hair retention during cancer treatment.

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What they’re saying

“When you lose your hair it's a sign of illness, it's a sign that you've got cancer, it's a sign that something's going on.”

— Rossalynn Ripper, Cancer survivor and advocate (wmar2news.com)

“I started out by saying, I want you to go home and shave your head and come back to work the next day, men and women. And you know when I painted the picture for the delegates it painted for just how important hair is. We don't think about it until it's gone.”

— Delegate Natoya Nkongolo, Republican from Anne Arundel County, bill sponsor (wmar2news.com)

What’s next

The bill was introduced last year but needed additional work. The delegate and advocates expressed confidence that the legislation can pass this year.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to make scalp cooling more accessible and affordable for cancer patients, recognizing the significant psychological impact that hair loss can have during treatment. If passed, it could help preserve the dignity and mental well-being of those going through chemotherapy.