The Northwest Lymphedema Center
Endorses the Lymphedema TreatmentAct
The Northwest Lymphedema Center is proud to endorse the Lymphedema Treatment Act. Many of our board members also participate individually in the grass-roots movement supporting this legislation. Learn more…
HELP PASS THE LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT ACT !
DID YOU KNOW? Medicare does not cover garments and other lymphedema compression supplies!
This Federal bill aims to correct this and set a standard for private insurers to follow.
PATIENTS LIKE YOU MUST SPEAK UP! Visit our website to write to your members of Congress.
Learn more about this bill and the quick and easy ways you can support its passage.
www.LymphedemaTreatmentAct.org
What Will This Legislation Do?
LTA: The Lymphedema Treatment Cost Saving Act will improve coverage for the treatment of lymphedema from any cause. This federal bill aims to correct the present deficiencies in coverage for lymphedema treatment compression garments and supplies. Because under-treated lymphedema is progressive and leads to infection, disability and disfigurement, treatment becomes complex and more costly when the disease is not treated early and maintained effectively.
Medicare alone is spending millions of dollars every year treating often-preventable lymphedema complications and cellulitis infections by its failure to cover compression bandages and garments that are essential components in the standard of care, Complete Decongestive Therapy. This act will reduce health care costs while improving patient care and quality of life. By changing Medicare law, it would set a standard for private insurance policies to follow, thus improving the quality of care for all Americans living with lymphedema.
The revised LTA was introduced in the 113th Congress as HR 3877 by lead-sponsor Congressman Dave Reichert of WA and bi-partisan co-leads. Follow the website and sign up to receive a monthly newsletter that will keep you informed.
The LTA Needs Your Help!
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Having no paid lobbyists, this cause is entirely grassroots and patient-driven. We need all lymphedema patients along with their families, caring friends and medical teams to help us pass this bill by writing letters and advocating for the bill.
- #1 PRIORITY – Contact your representative in Congress using this simple submission form.
- Join your WA-State Team of Lymphedema Patient Advocates. Learn more…
- Spread the word! Ask everyone in your sphere of influence to join your effort. Show them ways to raise awareness and write to Congress. Use these resources to help you spread the word.
- 2014 Lymphedema Lobby Days in DC. Read about the event and find out how to help.
- Sign up for the LAG newsletter – stay informed about our efforts to pass the LTA!
- Let LAG know you are interested in participating – contact them here.
LAG: The Lymphedema Advocacy Group, the leading national proponent of this legislation, is an all-volunteer organization of patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and industry partners founded by Heather Ferguson. Their mission is to advance lymphedema care in the United States by advocating for improved insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. You can download an informational flyer here to print and give to friends and colleagues to educate them about this movement and challenge them to help and get involved in this wonderful effort.
WA-Team: More locally, the Lymphedema Patient Advocates of Washington is a grassroots movement advocating for patients. One of their priorities is lobbying legislators and helping to gather patient letters and public support for the bill. They have made some great strides in the past several years, beginning with an epic journey to Washington DC in 2011 for lobbying and advocacy and, more recently, securing support from Washington State’s Congressman Dave Reichert, a member of the influential House Ways and Means Committee, who has agreed to be lead sponsor of the bill and to help seek bipartisan support for its passage into law. Read about their contributions, successes and new challenges here.