By Jayla Burton, Program Manager
Within five years of treatment for breast cancer, it is estimated that two of every five women will develop lymphedema, a condition that causes incredibly painful swelling in the arms or legs due to the blocked flow of fluids.
We believe everyone deserves access to essential medical supplies.
Patients need compression supplies to control and manage swelling—but Medicare and some private insurance companies don’t cover the costs of these supplies. This causes even more harm and leaves patients who can’t afford them to suffer from this debilitating condition.
A recent study found that Black women are more likely to develop lymphedema than white women after breast cancer treatment, meaning Black women are more directly impacted by the barriers to these necessary garments. This is an issue of health justice and we’re asking you to take action with us now.
The Lymphedema Treatment Act will make meaningful change. This important piece of legislation will change Medicare law to cover doctor-prescribed compression supplies. Not only will it expand access to essential medical supplies for those in need but it will also set a precedent for Medicaid and other insurers to do the same.
Getting this bill passed will be a step toward health justice for all breast cancer patients. It’s our goal to help pass this important legislation before the second year of Congress ends at the end of 2022 and we need your help.