A cranial prosthesis is the medical term for a wig prescribed to treat hair loss caused by a medical condition — chemotherapy, alopecia, or trichotillomania are the most common. In South Dakota many plans reimburse all or part of the cost. Here is how the process works locally.
The three things you need to file a claim
A prescription from a physician. It must use the phrase cranial prosthesis (not wig) and reference the underlying diagnosis.
A coded receipt from a supplier. The standard billing code is A9282. We issue this receipt at Babe Hair Solutions.
A letter of medical necessity if your plan requests one. We can draft this together with your prescribing physician.
Common South Dakota carriers and what they cover
Sanford Health Plan, Avera Health Plans, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medica, and UnitedHealthcare all have members in South Dakota who have been reimbursed for a cranial prosthesis. Coverage limits typically range from $150 to $1,500 per calendar year, depending on the plan.
Medicare Part B does not cover wigs. However, some Medicare Advantage plans in South Dakota include a supplemental benefit for cranial prostheses — check your plan's Evidence of Coverage.
Step by step: how to file in South Dakota
1. Ask your oncologist or dermatologist for a cranial prosthesis prescription. It must be dated on or before your purchase.
2. Come to Babe Hair Solutions for your fitting. We provide the coded receipt (A9282) with our supplier information at checkout.
3. Call your insurance member services line and ask which claim form to use for a durable medical equipment claim.
4. Submit the prescription, receipt, and completed claim form. Reimbursement typically takes 2 to 6 weeks.
Tax deductibility
In the United States, a medically necessary cranial prosthesis is a deductible medical expense on Schedule A if you itemize deductions. Keep your prescription and receipt with your tax records.
Frequently asked
- What is the insurance code for a cranial prosthesis?
- The standard HCPCS code is A9282. We include this code on receipts issued at Babe Hair Solutions so it can be submitted to insurance without extra paperwork.
- Does Sanford or Avera insurance cover wigs in South Dakota?
- Many Sanford Health Plan and Avera Health Plans policies reimburse a cranial prosthesis when it is prescribed by a physician for a qualifying medical condition. Coverage limits vary — check with your member services line.
- Does Medicare cover a wig?
- Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover wigs. Some Medicare Advantage plans available in South Dakota include a supplemental cranial-prosthesis benefit; check your plan's Evidence of Coverage.
Talk with a specialist in Sioux Falls
Consultations are private and complimentary. We handle cranial-prosthesis paperwork and work with dermatology and oncology teams across South Dakota.