Senator Burns Files Bill to Require Insurance Coverage for Chemotherapy Cooling Systems

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Burns, R-Pollard, filed legislation today to require health benefit plans in Oklahoma to cover medically recognized cooling systems used during chemotherapy treatment.

The bill would require coverage for cooling caps and other therapeutic cooling devices designed to reduce common chemotherapy side effects, including hair loss and nerve damage affecting the hands and feet. Under the measure, coverage for these cooling systems would not be subject to annual deductibles, co-payments, or coinsurance limits typically applied to covered benefits.

“Cancer treatment is difficult enough without patients being forced to choose between managing serious side effects and affording care,” Burns said. “This legislation ensures that supportive treatments commonly used alongside chemotherapy are accessible, not treated as optional or luxury items.”

The bill defines “cooling systems” broadly to reflect current medical practices and includes safeguards to ensure compliance with federal health savings account requirements, applying deductible provisions only when required under federal law.

Burns said the measure is focused on improving quality of care and patient dignity during cancer treatment, while aligning insurance coverage with evolving standards of supportive oncology care.

The bill includes an emergency clause and would take effect upon passage and approval.

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