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.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7933
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-12: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-31T20:35:09Z
AI-Generated Summary
H.R. 7933: Expansion of TRICARE Coverage for Traction Alopecia
Purpose
This bill aims to broaden health care benefits under the TRICARE program (the U.S. military's health care system for service members, retirees, and their families) to include coverage for wigs and treatment of traction alopecia—a type of hair loss caused by prolonged pulling on the hair from tight hairstyles, dyes, or chemical products. It also requires military grooming education to prevent this condition.
Key Provisions
- Wig Coverage Expansion: Adds traction alopecia to the list of conditions qualifying for wig provision under TRICARE.
- Treatment Coverage: Explicitly lists traction alopecia as a covered outpatient service.
- Regulations and Education: By September 30, 2026, military secretaries must issue rules on grooming standards and training materials warning service members about health risks from tight hairstyles, dyes, and chemical hair products.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends 10 U.S.C. § 1074c (TRICARE wig coverage) by inserting "traction alopecia or" before existing "alopecia" references, expanding eligibility.
- Amends 10 U.S.C. § 1074d(b) (TRICARE outpatient care) by adding traction alopecia as a new covered condition (paragraph 9).
- Introduces new regulatory requirements for grooming standards and preventive training, which did not previously exist.
Potential Impacts
- On Military Personnel: Improves access to wigs and treatments for a condition common in certain hairstyles (e.g., buns or braids), potentially reducing health disparities affecting women and those with textured hair.
- On Government Agencies: Requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to update regulations and training by a deadline, increasing administrative workload but promoting preventive health.
- On Health Care: Expands TRICARE benefits, which may slightly raise program costs but enhance equity in coverage.
Main Stakeholders
- Active-duty service members and families: Primary beneficiaries of expanded TRICARE coverage and education.
- Military retirees and dependents: Also covered under TRICARE.
- Department of Defense (DoD) and TRICARE administrators: Responsible for implementation, regulations, and training.
- Health care providers: Involved in diagnosing and treating traction alopecia.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens TRICARE's statutory framework by specifying a targeted condition, ensuring uniform coverage without needing case-by-case approvals.
- Constitutional: No direct challenges; aligns with Congress's authority over military benefits (Article I, Section 8).
- Political: Addresses health equity in the military, potentially influencing grooming policy debates and support for service member wellness initiatives. Still in early stages (introduced March 12, 2026; referred to House Armed Services Committee).
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-12: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2026-03-12: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-12: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- 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. — issued 2026-03-12 — PDF (2 pages)