Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Bill to Support Service Members with Traction Alopecia

Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Bill to Support Service Members with Traction Alopecia

Today, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) reintroduced the Recognition of Traction Alopecia in Service Women Act, legislation that would support and expand medical coverage of traction alopecia in the military.

In order to maintain a professional appearance and to adhere to military grooming standards, many servicewomen use tight hairstyles and chemical hair products that contribute to permanent damage to the hair and scalp. The use of military headgear can also exacerbate and/or cause permanent damage.

The Recognition of Traction Alopecia in Service Women Act would amend U.S. Code 1074 C to add traction alopecia and wigs as a covered medical treatment under TRICARE, the uniformed services health care program for active duty service members. It would also direct the Secretary of Defense to create regulations and training materials warning of the risk of traction alopecia.

"I am grateful to our service members who regularly put their lives on the line to defend the country they love," said Watson Coleman. "When their service causes them harm, as in the case of scalp damage, we have a duty to help make them whole and warn them of the risks."

Text of the bill can be found here.