The NAAF legislative agenda centers around four key issues: Increasing the budget for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which, in turn, funds the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) that provides government funding for research into alopecia areata. Providing insurance coverage for those with alopecia areata needing a cranial prosthetic, or wig. Most insurance carriers do not provide such coverage under the pretext that alopecia areata is a cosmetic condition. Our efforts here are two-fold: to not only have coverages provided but to have alopecia areata recognized as a serious disease. Our most recent legislation would reclassify wigs as “durable medical equipment” eligible for Medicare coverage, which would encourage private insurers to follow. Providing access to treatment by making sure it is affordable and/or covered by insurance. Reforming step therapy to allow easier access to treatments by advocating for passage of the Safe Step Act. Many insurance carriers require people with alopecia areata to first try less expensive, and often less effective, treatments before providing coverage for the treatments prescribed by a dermatologist or physician. The bipartisan Safe Step Act would require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that patients can safely and efficiently access treatment. Learn more about NAAF’s Legislative Liaison and Legislative Mentor programs if you would like to advocate on behalf of these issues. Reach out to Gary Sherwood at gary@naaf.org to learn more about the NAAF legislative agenda and other efforts.
