Direct and Hidden Costs with Alopecia Support and Resources
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naaf.org/AccessHealthcareAscot Fund. (n.d.).
hipaa.jotform.com/221081794367057Cost and financing of mesotherapy. (2022).
dermanetwork.org/article/body-contouring/cost-and-financing-of-mesotherapyDesai S, et al. (2022). Challenges of securing insurance approval for oral tofacitinib for the treatment of alopecia areata: A multi-institution retrospective review.
link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00403-020-02158-yDiagnosis-based assistance programs for alopecia areata. (2020).
needymeds.org/copay_diseases.taf?_function=summary&disease_id=254&disease_eng=Alopecia%20Areata&dx=6&drp=Dreher G. (2022). Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.
hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/plateletrich-plasma-prp-treatmentExcimer light and topical steroid in treatment of alopecia areata. (2021).
clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04793945FDA approves first systemic treatment for alopecia areata. (2022).
fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-systemic-treatment-alopecia-areataFind a dermatologist. (2022).
find-a-derm.aad.org/Find a pediatric dermatologist. (2022).
pedsderm.net/for-patients-families/find-a-pediatric-dermatologist/Jones IA, et al. (2018). The economics and regulation of PRP in the evolving field of orthopedic biologics.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6220002/Hair loss types: Alopecia areata diagnosis and treatment. (2022).
aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/alopecia/treatmentHair loss types: Alopecia areata overview. (2022).
aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/alopeciaHow much does alopecia areata treatment cost? (2017).
health.costhelper.com/alopecia-baldness-treatments-cost.htmlHow much should I expect to pay for Olumiant? (2020).
lillypricinginfo.com/olumiantLatisse coupons & prices. (2022).
singlecare.com/prescription/latisseLee JH, et al. (2020). Excimer laser/light treatment of alopecia areata: A systematic review and meta-analyses.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32745343/Ray M, et al. (2022). Healthcare utilization and costs among US adolescents with alopecia areata.
jheor.org/article/36229Shop for products. (n.d.).
naaf.org/shop-for-products?field_vendor_category_value=Headwear&pagename=products_headwear&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxveXBhDDARIsAI0Q0x2vm3XFtW6BlsYEKlZWyzYi9sp21ljQ5_8WYUp8upcaR8dueyAo2loaAqykEALw_wcBTofacitinib (xeljanz). (2022).
aedit.com/procedure/tofacitinib-xeljanzTreatments for alopecia areata. (n.d.).
naaf.org/alopecia-areata/alopecia-areata-treatmentsWhat type of wig cap is best for you? (2022).
breastcancer.org/treatment-side-effects/hair-loss/wigs/cap-typesZhang W, et al. (2022). Oral tofacitinib and systemic corticosteroids, alone or in combination, in patients with moderate to severe alopecia areata: A retrospective study.
frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.891434/fullOur experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 19, 2022 By Nancy Lovering Edited By Molly Chepenik Medically Reviewed By Reema Patel, MPA, PA-C Copy Edited By Stassi Myer - CE Share this articleMedically reviewed by Reema Patel, MPA, PA-C — By Nancy Lovering on September 19, 2022
The Hidden Costs of Alopecia Areata
Medically reviewed by Reema Patel, MPA, PA-C — By Nancy Lovering on September 19, 2022Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss. Most cases develop before the age of 30, and many begin during childhood or adolescence, but onset can occur at any time during your life. An autoimmune disease happens when your immune system mistakes healthy cells for intruders and attacks them. In the case of alopecia areata, your immune system targets your hair follicles. Autoimmune diseases are not contagious. Hair loss from alopecia areata can be unpredictable. Sometimes, hair grows back without treatment and never falls out again. In other cases, hair loss and regrowth repeatedly occur after initially successful treatment. For some, hair loss can be upsetting and difficult to cope with. Finding a cost-effective treatment that works can make a positive difference in your life. Read on for information about alopecia areata treatment options and their costs.Treatment costs
There are a few alopecia areata treatments to choose from, with a range of costs. Treatment may not be covered by insurance for a couple of reasons:Many insurance providers consider alopecia areata treatments to be cosmetic rather than medically necessary.Most treatments are used “off-label” because prior to June 2022, no treatments were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for alopecia areata. Still, it’s worth checking with your insurance provider just to make sure. According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), about 40% of appeals for denied insurance claims are successful, so if your insurance company initially refuses to cover the cost of treatment, it’s worth the effort to submit an appeal.Topical treatments
Applying a topical prescription corticosteroid to bald areas once or twice a day is an effective treatment for some people. For children with alopecia areata, this may be the only treatment they need. Minoxidil (brand name Rogaine) can maintain hair regrowth after you finish corticosteroid treatment. Anthralin is another topical medication your dermatologist might suggest. You may achieve better results if you use it with minoxidil. Topical treatments can range in cost from $40 to $1,000, depending on how much treatment you need and where you buy it. Minoxidil is available at most drugstores and online.Oral treatments
Immunomodulators like Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors block the immune system response that causes hair loss in alopecia areata. They’re also used to treat other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and certain blood disorders. Tofacitinib (brand name Xeljanz) is a JAK inhibitor that may improve the effectiveness of corticosteroids, according to a 2022 study. However, a 2022 review found the insurance coverage denial rate to be 97%, with the most common reason being that tofacitinib is not FDA-approved to treat alopecia areata. The costs can range widely from $80 to $4,700, depending on factors like insurance coverage and dose requirements. On June 13, 2022, the FDA approved the first systemic treatment for severe alopecia areata: the oral tablet baricitinib (Olumiant). Without insurance coverage, baricitinib costs around $2,500 and $5,000 per month for 2-mg or 4-mg tablets, respectively.Injections
Your dermatologist may suggest corticosteroids delivered through injections. This is a common treatment because it can more locally address hair loss. For this treatment, you’ll have to visit your dermatologist’s office every 4 to 6 weeks. Corticosteroid injection treatment can cost $200 to $1,000 or more. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is another injectable treatment option. This procedure involves drawing your own blood platelets and injecting them into your scalp, where the increased blood supply can stimulate cell reproduction. PRP costs about $500 to $2,500 per injection. Treatment usually consists of three or four injections 4 to 6 weeks apart, with maintenance injections every 4 to 6 months. Mesotherapy involves injecting bioactive compounds, like vitamins and plant extracts, into the affected area. Depending on clinician preference, this treatment may occur weekly at first, then less frequently during the maintenance phase. Mesotherapy typically costs $250 to $600 per session and may not be covered by insurance.Laser and light therapy
Laser and light therapies are other treatment options for alopecia areata. Devices used to conduct these therapies include:excimer laser/lampultraviolet laserlow-level laserthulium lasererbium-glass lasercarbon dioxide laser A 2020 review of studies found that excimer laser/light therapy produced favorable therapeutic results in people experiencing hair loss from alopecia areata. This therapy suppresses your immune system response by inducing cell death in certain immune cells. Laser and light therapy may not be as effective if your hair loss is severe, so make sure to discuss this option with your doctor before purchasing a cap. Depending on the number and grade of lasers and LEDs, the cost of light therapy caps can range from $550 to $2,500.Hair transplant
Hair transplant surgery is a procedure where a surgeon moves hair from one area of your head to another. There are two types:Follicular unit transplantation (FUT): This involves the removal of a strip of scalp followed by follicle separation and transplantation.Follicular unit extraction (FUE): This involves the extraction and transplantation of individual hair follicles. Hair transplants cost anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000. Insurance companies typically consider hair transplants cosmetic and may not provide coverage.Wigs and other head coverings
Wigs are an effective way to camouflage hair loss. Synthetic wigs are more durable than human hair wigs but take longer to dry. Human hair wigs look more natural than their synthetic counterparts but may fade in sunlight. Depending on the type of wig construction you select, the price can range from around $75 to $500. Here are the price ranges for several options:Basic wig cap: $75 to $150Lace front: $150 to $200Monofilament: $200 to $300Hand-tied cap: $300 to $500 You can also choose from a range of head coverings like scarves, caps, and comfort liners designed to fit under any type of hat. NAAF’s alopecia areata marketplace provides links to retailers selling these products.Beauty treatments and grooming products
There are also personal grooming options you can try to manage hair loss, including:scalp scrubssoapsmassagershair clippersroot touch-up sprays or concealers The prices of these products may range from $10 to $200, depending on the brand you purchase. If you’ve experienced alopecia-related eyelash loss, your dermatologist may suggest solutions to protect your eyes, including:glasses: $15 and upfalse eyelashes: $20 to $350medication for lash regrowth (such as bimatoprost): about $53 per ml on average Injectable corticosteroids followed by minoxidil may help treat eyebrow loss. To cover up eyebrow loss, stick-on eyebrows cost $5 and up, while microblading and semi-permanent tattoos for eyebrows typically cost around $600.Finding financial assistance
NAAF has a helpful resources page that can connect you to support and offer advice about insurance reimbursement. NAAF’s Ascot Fund offers financial assistance up to $300 toward the purchase of a hairpiece to applicants who meet eligibility requirements. Needy Meds is another resource that offers a directory of diagnosis-based alopecia areata assistance programs.The takeaway
If alopecia areata is affecting your self-esteem and daily functioning, it’s worth it to make treatment a priority. There are many options to treat or cover areas of hair loss. However, most insurance providers consider these treatments to be cosmetic and don’t provide coverage. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider though, rather than assuming there’s no financial assistance available. If you’re looking for a dermatologist to treat alopecia areata, try using the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s search tool. For a pediatric dermatologist, try the Society for Pediatric Dermatology. Last medically reviewed on September 19, 2022How we vetted this article
SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Access healthcare. (n.d.).naaf.org/AccessHealthcareAscot Fund. (n.d.).
hipaa.jotform.com/221081794367057Cost and financing of mesotherapy. (2022).
dermanetwork.org/article/body-contouring/cost-and-financing-of-mesotherapyDesai S, et al. (2022). Challenges of securing insurance approval for oral tofacitinib for the treatment of alopecia areata: A multi-institution retrospective review.
link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00403-020-02158-yDiagnosis-based assistance programs for alopecia areata. (2020).
needymeds.org/copay_diseases.taf?_function=summary&disease_id=254&disease_eng=Alopecia%20Areata&dx=6&drp=Dreher G. (2022). Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.
hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/plateletrich-plasma-prp-treatmentExcimer light and topical steroid in treatment of alopecia areata. (2021).
clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04793945FDA approves first systemic treatment for alopecia areata. (2022).
fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-systemic-treatment-alopecia-areataFind a dermatologist. (2022).
find-a-derm.aad.org/Find a pediatric dermatologist. (2022).
pedsderm.net/for-patients-families/find-a-pediatric-dermatologist/Jones IA, et al. (2018). The economics and regulation of PRP in the evolving field of orthopedic biologics.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6220002/Hair loss types: Alopecia areata diagnosis and treatment. (2022).
aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/alopecia/treatmentHair loss types: Alopecia areata overview. (2022).
aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/alopeciaHow much does alopecia areata treatment cost? (2017).
health.costhelper.com/alopecia-baldness-treatments-cost.htmlHow much should I expect to pay for Olumiant? (2020).
lillypricinginfo.com/olumiantLatisse coupons & prices. (2022).
singlecare.com/prescription/latisseLee JH, et al. (2020). Excimer laser/light treatment of alopecia areata: A systematic review and meta-analyses.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32745343/Ray M, et al. (2022). Healthcare utilization and costs among US adolescents with alopecia areata.
jheor.org/article/36229Shop for products. (n.d.).
naaf.org/shop-for-products?field_vendor_category_value=Headwear&pagename=products_headwear&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxveXBhDDARIsAI0Q0x2vm3XFtW6BlsYEKlZWyzYi9sp21ljQ5_8WYUp8upcaR8dueyAo2loaAqykEALw_wcBTofacitinib (xeljanz). (2022).
aedit.com/procedure/tofacitinib-xeljanzTreatments for alopecia areata. (n.d.).
naaf.org/alopecia-areata/alopecia-areata-treatmentsWhat type of wig cap is best for you? (2022).
breastcancer.org/treatment-side-effects/hair-loss/wigs/cap-typesZhang W, et al. (2022). Oral tofacitinib and systemic corticosteroids, alone or in combination, in patients with moderate to severe alopecia areata: A retrospective study.
frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.891434/fullOur experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 19, 2022 By Nancy Lovering Edited By Molly Chepenik Medically Reviewed By Reema Patel, MPA, PA-C Copy Edited By Stassi Myer - CE Share this articleMedically reviewed by Reema Patel, MPA, PA-C — By Nancy Lovering on September 19, 2022