Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §3173-F is enacted to read:

§3173-F.__Reimbursement for wigs

Through a program of Medicaid coverage, the department shall provide reimbursement, to the maximum extent allowable under the United States Social Security Act, Title XIX or successors to it, for the purchase of a wig or hairpiece when the wig or hairpiece is purchased to cover baldness or thin hair resulting from a disease attested to by a physician.

Sec. 2. 24-A MRSA §2745-H is enacted to read:

§2745-H.__Coverage for wigs

1.__Required coverage.__All individual insurance policies and contracts except accidental injury, specified disease, hospital indemnity, Medicare supplement, long-term care and other limited benefit health insurance policies and contracts must provide coverage for the purchase of a wig or hairpiece when the wig or hairpiece is purchased to cover baldness or thin hair resulting from a disease attested to by a physician.

2.__Application.__The requirements of this section apply to all policies, contracts and certificates executed, delivered, issued for delivery, continued or renewed in this State on or after October 1, 1999.__For purposes of this section, all contracts are deemed to be renewed no later than the next yearly anniversary of the contract date.

Sec. 3. 24-A MRSA §2837-I is enacted to read:

§2837-I.__Coverage for wigs

1.__Required coverage.__All group insurance policies and contracts except accidental injury, specified disease, hospital indemnity, Medicare supplement, long-term care and other limited benefit health insurance policies and contracts must provide coverage for the purchase of a wig or hairpiece when the wig or hairpiece is purchased to cover baldness or thin hair resulting from a disease attested to by a physician.

2.__Application.__The requirements of this section apply to all policies, contracts and certificates executed, delivered, issued for delivery, continued or renewed in this State on or after October 1, 1999.__For purposes of this section, all contracts are deemed to be renewed no later than the next yearly anniversary of the contract date.