Insurer Coverage of Scalp Cooling Systems for Cancer Patients

Detected April 1st, 2026

Summary

Maryland Senate Bill 0272 would mandate that health insurers provide coverage for scalp cooling systems used by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to reduce hair loss. The bill targets insurers offering coverage in the state and would establish this as a required benefit for qualifying patients.

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What changed

Maryland SB0272 proposes legislation requiring health insurers in the state to cover scalp cooling systems (cold caps) for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Scalp cooling systems are medical devices that can reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss. The bill would add this coverage mandate to the state's insurance requirements.

Insurers should review their current coverage policies to determine whether scalp cooling systems are currently covered and identify any gaps. Healthcare providers offering oncology services should prepare to coordinate with insurers on coverage determinations. The effective date and compliance timeline will be established once the bill passes through the legislative process and is signed into law.

What to do next

Review current policy coverage for scalp cooling systems
Update benefit documentation to reflect mandated coverage if bill passes
Establish coordination procedures with oncology providers for scalp cooling device coverage

Source document (simplified)

Legislative Services | Legislative Audits Search Bill number does not exist. Enter a vaild keyword.

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placeholder To Governor Title Health Insurance - Scalp Cooling Systems - Required Coverage Sponsored by Senator Gile Status In the House - Favorable Report by Health Analysis Fiscal and Policy Note Synopsis Requiring certain insurers, nonprofit health service plans, health maintenance organizations, and managed care organizations that provide coverage for chemotherapy to treat cancer to provide coverage for scalp cooling systems used for the preservation of hair in connection with chemotherapy treatment; and applying the Act to all policies, contracts, and health benefit plans issued, delivered, or renewed in the State on or after January 1, 2027. Committees Original: Finance Opposite: Health Committee Testimony Witness List Details Cross-filed with: HB0393 Bill File Type: Regular Effective Date(s): January 1, 2027 History
| Legislation History |
| --- |
| Chamber Senate Calendar Date 1/19/2026 Legislative Date 1/19/2026 Action First Reading Finance Proceedings |
| Chamber Calendar Date Legislative Date Action Text - First - Health Insurance - Scalp Cooling Systems - Required Coverage Proceedings |
| Chamber Senate Calendar Date 1/21/2026 Legislative Date 1/21/2026 Action Hearing 2/04 at 1:00 p.m. Proceedings |
| Chamber Calendar Date Legislative Date Action Vote - Senate - Committee - Finance Proceedings |
| Chamber Senate Calendar Date 2/16/2026 Legislative Date 2/16/2026 Action Favorable Report by Finance Proceedings |
| Chamber Senate Calendar Date 2/17/2026 Legislative Date 2/12/2026 Action Favorable Adopted Proceedings 23 |
| Chamber Senate Calendar Date 2/17/2026 Legislative Date 2/12/2026 Action Second Reading Passed Proceedings 23 |
| Chamber Calendar Date Legislative Date Action Text - Third - Health Insurance - Scalp Cooling Systems - Required Coverage Proceedings |
| Chamber Senate Calendar Date 2/19/2026 Legislative Date 2/14/2026 Action Third Reading Passed (43-0) Proceedings 25 |
| Chamber House Calendar Date 2/20/2026 Legislative Date 2/17/2026 Action Referred Health Proceedings 26 |
| Chamber House Calendar Date 3/17/2026 Legislative Date 3/17/2026 Action Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m. Proceedings |
| Chamber House Calendar Date 3/25/2026 Legislative Date 3/25/2026 Action Hearing canceled Proceedings |
| Chamber House Calendar Date 3/25/2026 Legislative Date 3/25/2026 Action Hearing 3/26 at 2:00 p.m. Proceedings |
| Chamber Calendar Date Legislative Date Action Vote - House - Committee - Health Proceedings |
| Chamber House Calendar Date 4/01/2026 Legislative Date 4/01/2026 Action Favorable Report by Health Proceedings |

| Chamber | Calendar Date | Legislative Date | Action | Proceedings |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Senate | 1/19/2026 | 1/19/2026 | First Reading Finance | |
| | | | Text - First - Health Insurance - Scalp Cooling Systems - Required Coverage | |
| Senate | 1/21/2026 | 1/21/2026 | Hearing 2/04 at 1:00 p.m. | |
| | | | Vote - Senate - Committee - Finance | |
| Senate | 2/16/2026 | 2/16/2026 | Favorable Report by Finance | |
| Senate | 2/17/2026 | 2/12/2026 | Favorable Adopted | 23 |
| Senate | 2/17/2026 | 2/12/2026 | Second Reading Passed | 23 |
| | | | Text - Third - Health Insurance - Scalp Cooling Systems - Required Coverage | |
| Senate | 2/19/2026 | 2/14/2026 | Third Reading Passed (43-0) | 25 |
| House | 2/20/2026 | 2/17/2026 | Referred Health | 26 |
| House | 3/17/2026 | 3/17/2026 | Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m. | |
| House | 3/25/2026 | 3/25/2026 | Hearing canceled | |
| House | 3/25/2026 | 3/25/2026 | Hearing 3/26 at 2:00 p.m. | |
| | | | Vote - House - Committee - Health | |
| House | 4/01/2026 | 4/01/2026 | Favorable Report by Health | |
File Code Health - Insurance Subjects Health -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc. Health Insurance -see also- ACA; HMOs; MCOs Health Maintenance Organizations -see also- Manage Care Orgs Managed Care Organizations -see also- Health Maint Orgs Medical Equipment and Devices Medical Treatments Nonprofit Organizations Statutes Article - Insurance (
15-864 ) Last Updated: 3/31/2026 4:59 PM