Lymphedema coverage now in the works
By HME News Staff
Updated 11:34 AM CST, Mon January 9, 2023
WASHINGTON – The Lymphedema Treatment Act has become law as part of an omnibus bill passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden in late December.
The act requires Medicare to pay for compression garments, bandages and supplies to reduce lymphedema-related swelling and prevent recurrence.
“Congratulations to the Lymphedema Advocacy Group for their tireless efforts to pass the Lymphedema Treatment Act,” said Nikki Jensen, vice president of Essentially Women. “As you know, this has been a highly-supported health care bill in Congress for several years. Many of you also participated in their calls to action to contact your legislators and ask for their support. With your actions and the actions of so many other patients and industry advocates, this important bill has passed. We now cross our fingers that CMS keeps resupply frequency and reimbursement levels at a rate that is fair.”
The Lymphedema Advocacy Group and other stakeholders are now working with CMS as the agency writes rules for coverage.
Preceding its passage in December, the act was represented in both the House of Representatives (H.R. 3630) and in the Senate (S. 1315).
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