Massachusetts Mom Battles Insurers for Scalp Cooling

A Massachusetts mother battling breast cancer has become a vocal advocate for insurance coverage of scalp cooling treatments. Emily Sutliff underwent chemotherapy and utilized scalp cooling, a costly therapy, to keep her hair and maintain a sense of normalcy. The financial burden of this treatment, which can cost thousands of dollars, inspired her to push for broader insurance mandates.

Her advocacy has gained traction, with New York recently becoming the first U.S. state to require private insurance companies to cover scalp cooling for chemotherapy patients. Sutliff is now collaborating with Massachusetts Senator Michael Rush to introduce similar legislation in her home state. Senator Rush commended Sutliff's courage and determination, expressing commitment to advancing the bill.

While Sutliff herself may not directly benefit from the potential Massachusetts law, her efforts are focused on ensuring financial accessibility for other cancer patients. As she approaches the end of her treatment in April, Sutliff expresses gratitude for the support system that helped her through a difficult year, emphasizing her commitment to improving care for future patients.