Lymphedema Treatment Act Update

Published in Lymphedema on March 11, 2019

The Essentially Women membership has two pieces of federal legislation already moving in Congress, the Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act and the Lymphedema Treatment Act. The Lymphedema Treatment Act is being spearheaded by the Lymphedema Treatment Act Organization.  Medicare does not recognize and acknowledge the role compression plays in the treatment of lymphedema. If passed, this legislation will provide Medicare coverage for all forms of compression, including bandaging supplies, custom or standard fit compression garments at any level of compression, and custom or standard fit day and nighttime compression alternatives or devices.

S. 518 The Lymphedema Treatment Act was reintroduced in the Senate by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Senator Todd Young (R-IN) on February 14, 2019. It is still pending reintroduction into the House of Representatives. As of March 11, 2019, there are 41 cosponsors. Click here for the most up to date cosponsor list.  Lobby days in Washington, D.C. will be announced very soon. They are continually looking for additional advocates, including patients, to participate. For the latest information on this legislation or to get further involved, go to www.lymphedematreatmentact.org.

Legislation does not move without grassroots advocacy. Essentially Women is here to help assist you with navigating the complexities of the federal government. If you want to host an event in your office or want help with engaging with your elected officials, please let us know. Let your voices be heard on what custom breast prostheses or compression means to your life.


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  3. lymphedema

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