Tag: Lymphedema Advocacy Group
Lymphedema stakeholders push for fair reimbursement
August 4, 2023Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON – Lymphedema stakeholders say they are pleased overall with CMS’s proposed plans to cover compression garments, but they say more needs to be done to ensure that it’s not just “coverage on paper.”
CMS on June 30 issued a proposed rule containing provisions to establish a Medicare Part B benefit for standard and custom-fitted gradient compression garments and other compression treatment items, as required by the Lymphedema Treatment Act, which was...
Lymphedema stakeholders eager to move forward
January 13, 2023Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON – After 12 years of making steady gains, women’s health stakeholders were elated when the Lymphedema Treatment Act was included in an omnibus bill passed by Congress in December.
“We finally got to the front of the line,” said Heather Ferguson, founder and executive director of the Lymphedema Advocacy Group. “There was a vehicle available, and it all fell into place at the right time.”
The legislation will require Medicare to pay for...
Women’s health: Stakeholders push to increase access
October 8, 2021Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON – Supporters of women’s health legislation to increase access to custom breast prostheses and compression garments hope to gain needed momentum this fall to get their bills passed before the end of the year, they say.
The Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act of 2021 would provide coverage for custom fabricated breast prostheses. The House bill, H.R. 3087, sponsored by Judy Chu, D-Calif, has 15 co-sponsors; the Senate companion bill, S. 2051, co-sponsored by Sens. Tammy...
Stakeholders press women's health issues
July 26, 2019Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON - Industry stakeholders behind bills seeking Medicare coverage for custom breast forms and compression garments are gearing up for a pivotal August recess.Ahead of the recess, the Lymphedema Advocacy Group has been meeting almost monthly with lawmakers and their staff on Capitol Hill to drum up support for H.R. 1948 and S. 515, bills that would require Medicare to pay for compression garments, bandages and supplies to reduce lymphedema-related swelling and prevent recurrence.“With...
Lymphedema advocates leverage personal connections
March 24, 2017Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON - With recently reintroduced legislation in hand, more than 70 lymphedema advocates will visit Capitol Hill this week to build on previous support.The Lymphedema Treatment Act would amend Medicare statute to pay for compression garments, bandages and supplies to reduce lymphedema-related swelling and prevent recurrence. Currently, Medicare only pays for pneumatic compression pumps, and therapy provided by physical and occupational therapists.“We're looking forward to keeping this...
Lymphedema advocates push for broader coverage
April 22, 2016Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON - Lymphedema advocates took to Capitol Hill last week to gain support for legislation that would address a gap in treatment coverage for the chronic and often debilitating condition.
With a presidential election looming in the fall, the Lymphedema Advocacy Group, which held its 2016 Lymphedema Lobby Days April 19-20, wants to take advantage of the time it has now, before lawmakers get too distracted.
“There's momentum behind this,” said Judy Woodward, chairwoman of...
Lymphedema advocates take to the Hill
April 20, 2016HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - Actress Kathy Bates joined the Lymphedema Advocacy Group and other advocates on Capitol Hill today in support of The Lymphedema Treatment Act. The bill seeks to improve Medicare coverage of compression supplies to treat lymphedema. "Compression is to lymphedema what medication is to many other diseases—indispensable!" said Heather Ferguson, founder and executive director of the Lymphedema Advocacy Group. "Passage of the Lymphedema Treatment Act will help to minimize the healthcare...