By Leslie Riddle, Program Officer
The Lymphedema Treatment Act has just been reintroduced in Congress.
You can help get this important legislation passed by joining our friends at the Lymphedema Advocacy Group for the Lymphedema Lobby Days in Washington, DC on March 26–28. No lobbying experience is required and everyone is welcome. Hurry! The deadline to register is March 5–click here to register.
When lymph nodes are removed or damaged during breast cancer treatment, it can cause blockages that result in a painful swelling of the arms and legs. This condition is known as lymphedema and two of every five women treated for breast cancer develop lymphedema within five years of surgery.
Currently, Medicare and some private insurance companies don’t cover the costs of the compression supplies people need to control their swelling. And if people can’t afford to pay out of pocket for these vital supplies, swelling can be incredibly painful and can result in infection or disability.
The Lymphedema Treatment Act would end this injustice by changing Medicare law to cover compression supplies—setting a precedent for Medicaid and other insurers to do the same.
Everyone deserves access to comprehensive and affordable lymphedema treatment. With 290 bipartisan cosponsors last Congress, we need your help to regain that support and get the Lymphedema Treatment Act passed this year. The Lymphedema Lobby Days are a great way for members of Congress to hear directly from you about this important issue. Register now!