About Lymphedema
Lymphedema (chronic lymphatic system failure) has a multitude of causes. It is marked by an accumulation of lymph fluid (swelling) in parts of the body where lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels are damaged or inadequate. Millions of Americans are affected by this chronic but treatable condition, most commonly from cancer.
Untreated or inadequately treated lymphedema is progressive, leading to complications, comorbidities, loss of function, disability, and in some cases even death. Compression therapy is the essential cornerstone of lymphedema treatment, without which patients cannot effectively manage their condition.
Congressional Intent — Why this Legislation is Needed:
Starting in 2001, the Medicare program issued an advisory on the importance of compression garments. A year later, a National Coverage Determination announcement was published highlighting such garments as part of a conservative treatment regimen intended to reduce and control lymphedema-related swelling. Despite the announcement, HHS has yet to officially provide coverage for compression supplies indicating legislative authority is needed.
Lymphedema is the end result of any significant impairment to all or part of the lymphatic organ system. To exclude the primary treatment for all causes of lymphedema (i.e. compression therapy) is equivalent to excluding treatment for all forms of heart or lung disease.
As a growing number of Medicare beneficiaries are affected by lymphedema as cancer survivorship increases.
What This Legislation Will Do:
- Provide for Medicare coverage of doctor-prescribed compression supplies under the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) category.
- Enable lymphedema patients to maintain their overall health, activities of daily living, and quality of life.
- Reduce the total healthcare costs associated with this disease by decreasing the incidence of complications, co-morbidities, disabilities and hospitalizations. Additional information about fiscal impact and cost savings is available through LymphedemaTreatmentAct.org.
Supporters Include:
- American Medical Association
- American Cancer Society
- Oncology Nursing Society
- American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- Susan G. Komen
- Breast Cancer Action
- Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
- Moffitt Cancer Center
- James Cancer Hospital
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Huntsman Cancer Institute
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Original Sponsors:
Rep. Blumenauer (D-OR-3)
Rep. Lance (R-NJ-7)
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-9)
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
Contact:
Lindsay Manson (Reichert)
lindsay.manson@mail.house.gov
202-225-7761
Nico Janssen (Cantwell)
nico_janssen@cantwell.senate.gov
202-224-3441
Karen Summar (Grassley)
karen_summer@grassley.senate.gov
202-224-3744
Source
Lymphedema Treatment Act HR 930 / S 497. LymphedemaTreatmentAct.org, lymphedematreatmentact.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Lymphedema-Treatment-Act-HR930_S497.pdf.
