Subsidy and Eligibility
HairToStay is a nonprofit organization that offers need-based grants to offset the expense of scalp cooling systems for chemotherapy patients being treated in the United States.
About Scalp Cooling
There are two basic approaches to Scalp Cooling: Manual Scalp Cooling Systems and Automated Scalp Cooling Systems. Click here for more information about your options for scalp cooling.
Scalp cooling minimizes chemotherapy-induced hair loss by continuous application of precisely cooled caps (either individual caps or using an automated scalp cooling machine) to the scalp beginning just prior to each chemotherapy infusion and continuing during and immediately following the infusion. Currently, insurance companies are starting to cover scalp cooling and we ask that all applicants seek coverage.
How to apply for a subsidy
Read the Eligibility Requirements below. If you qualify for a subsidy, there are two options for submitting your application.
Fill out the digital Scalp Cooling Subsidy Program Application online, using a desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile device.
Please note: Have all necessary information relating to your income and treatment handy prior to beginning your application. Navigating away from an in-progress application may result in you losing any data you’ve entered.
Can't access the online application? Please e-mail HairToStay@pap-apps.org or call 800-270-1897.
Eligibility requirements
To receive a subsidy from HairToStay, you must meet the following requirements and provide supporting documentation as described in the Scalp Cooling Subsidy Program Application.
Demonstrate Financial Need: For most patients, your household income must be at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Chart 1 below shows the usual maximum income levels that will still allow you to qualify for a subsidy. Special donor-targeted funds exist for residents of certain parts of the United States as well as for patients receiving treatment at certain medical centers. The eligibility criteria for these funds ranges from 400% of the FPL to 600% of the FPL. You will be notified upon approval if you are eligible for special donor-targeted funding.
Chart 1:
Income maximum for 400% of Federal Poverty Level (Updated 2026)
For each additional person in your household, add the following:
48 Contiguous States – $5,680
Alaska – $7,100
Hawaii – $6,530
- Be a chemotherapy patient who has been diagnosed with a solid tumor cancer. Scalp cooling is not recommended for blood (hematological) cancer patients and those patients are not eligible for a subsidy.
- Be a full-time US resident receiving treatment in a medical facility located in the United States.
- Be already using or ready to use a scalp cooling system from one of the following Qualified Scalp Cooling suppliers.
How you will be notified
You will usually be notified within one week of submission of a completed application regarding the status of your application. If you have not heard back, please contact us by email at hairtostay@pap-apps.org or by phone at 800-270-1897.
Please note the following important policies regarding the use of your subsidy funds:
- The maximum total subsidy amount available to you will usually be $1,000. Special donor-targeted funds exist for patients receiving treatment at certain medical centers and in certain geographic locations. Patients that qualify for these special funds may receive maximum total subsidies of up to $1,500. You will be notified of the total amount of your subsidy and the reimbursement approach once your application has been approved.
- You will be reimbursed for a portion of the actual cost of each of your treatment charges after we have verified the payment of your invoice with your supplier.
Please note the following important policies regarding the use of your subsidy funds:
- Each patient is eligible to be approved for a single subsidy. If approved, you will not be eligible for future subsidies from HairToStay.
- Your subsidy must be used in full within six months of approval, after which any remaining subsidy funds will no longer be available.
- You must submit your first treatment invoice for reimbursement within eight weeks of approval or your subsidy will be inactivated. To reactivate it, you will have to reapply and pay a $25 application fee.
- You must submit all treatment invoices for reimbursement within four weeks of the invoice date or you may not be eligible for reimbursement.
IMPORTANT:
- If at any time during your treatment you apply for, plan to apply for or receive any other outside financial assistance for your scalp cooling treatments, you must identify those sources in the appropriate section of this application, or inform us if your application has already been approved. Receipt of other financial support may impact your ability to qualify for all or part of a HairToStay subsidy.
- Funds provided by family members or friends or fee discounts made available by the scalp cooling suppliers specifically to HairToStay approved patients do not need to be identified.
- We do not subsidize scalp cooling treatment expenses incurred prior to your application being approved, only expenses incurred once your subsidy has been formally approved.
Here to…
answer your questions.
If you have questions about scalp cooling in general, please email us at info@HairToStay.org
For all questions about the Scalp Cooling Subsidy Program please email HairToStay@pap-apps.org or
call toll free at a 800-270-1897.
Here to…
answer your questions.
If you have questions about scalp cooling in general, please email us at info@HairToStay.org
For all questions about the Scalp Cooling Subsidy Program please email HairToStay@pap-apps.org or
call toll free at a 800-270-1897.
HairToStay is designed to support low-income cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy and are planning to use scalp cooling but cannot afford the out-of-pocket cost. Eligibility is primarily based on financial need, treatment timing, and use of a qualified scalp cooling supplier.
Generally speaking, HairToStay covers 80% of your paid invoices, up to a maximum subsidy of $1,000. We also have targeted funds in certain medical centers, geographies and for specific demographics. The maximum subsidy from these funds is typically $1,500.
After you apply, HairToStay determines based on your location, treatment center or demographics, whether you qualify for a donor-targeted fund. Your approval letter will include this information.
Yes—actually, we recommend applying as early as possible (ideally before your first chemo session). We cannot provide reimbursement for any treatment costs prior to your approval.
You may still apply. However, we cannot approve support for costs you already paid.
Applicants will need:
Basic information
Chemo start date (or expected start date) and treatment center
Scalp cooling plan (device/vendor, manual vs machine-based, and expected schedule)
Household size and income information
Insurance details (plan type + member info)
Any invoices/estimates you already have (if available)
If you have them, submit:
An itemized invoice (or cost estimate) from the scalp cooling vendor or treatment center
Any receipts or proof of payment (if you already paid)
If seeking insurance reimbursement: any EOBs (Explanation of Benefits) or denial letters once available
Our team reviews applications as they are received. We typically respond via email regarding approval/denial or if more information is needed within 1-2 business days.