HR 3617 United States House · 118th Congress

To amend title 10, United States Code, to expand the authority to provide a wig and treat traction alopecia under the TRICARE program, and for other purposes.

This bill expands TRICARE coverage to include wigs and treatment for traction alopecia - a type of hair loss caused by tight hairstyles, chemical treatments, or prolonged tension on the hair - directly affecting active-duty military members who develop this condition. It amends military health law to explicitly add "traction alopecia" to coverage for wigs and treatment, and requires the military to issue new grooming guidelines by September 2024 warning service members about the health risks of tight hairstyles, dyes, and chemical products. The key change is broadening existing TRICARE benefits to specifically cover this preventable condition, while mandating education on its causes. This is a policy adjustment to improve health care access for affected service members, not a new benefit.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2023
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced May 23, 2023 Last action May 23, 2023