Cost Saving Act
SUPPORTERS INCLUDE:
• American Cancer Society
• Oncology Nursing Society
• Komen Advocacy Alliance
• American Physical
Therapy Association
• American Occupational
Therapy Association
• LiveSTRONG
• Colon Cancer Alliance
• Sarcoma Foundation
of America
• American Lymphedema
Framework Project
• Lymphatic Research
Foundation
• Lymphology Association
of North America
• National Lymphedema
Network
GETTING INVOLVED:
The Lymphedema Advocacy
Group (LAG) leads this allvolunteer,
patient-driven effort.
We urge all individuals and
groups with a vested interest
to get involved and support
passage of this legislation.
To join the effort and/or to ask
questions please contact:
Heather Ferguson,
LAG’s Executive Director,
at the email below.
WHY THIS LEGISLATION IS NEEDED:
Lymphedema is a non-curable but treatable medical condition that results
in an accumulation of lymph fluid swelling in parts of the body where
lymphatic vessels and/or lymph nodes are damaged, nonfunctional or
inadequate. Lymphedema affects an estimated 5-6 million Americans,
with the majority of cases caused by cancer treatment.
Untreated, or under-treated, lymphedema is progressive and leads to
increased morbidity. Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the gold
standard and only known course of treatment for lymphedema. CDT is a
multi-modal treatment that is only effective when used in its entirety.
Medicare currently covers all but the most critical component, the
medically necessary compression supplies used daily in lymphedema
treatment, citing they do not fit under any existing benefit category. As a
result, many patients suffer from recurrent infections, progressive
degradation in their condition and eventual disability because they cannot
afford the compression supplies required to maintain their condition.
WHAT THIS LEGISATION WILL DO:
Although this legislation relates specifically to a change in Medicare law,
it would set a precedent for Medicaid and private insurers to follow.
Specific goals of the Act are:
• Provide comprehensive lymphedema treatment coverage, according
to current medical treatment standards;
• Enable patient self-treatment plan adherence by providing necessary
medical supplies for use at home, as prescribed for each patient
(including gradient compression garments, bandages, and other
compression devices);
• Allow for new treatment modalities to be considered for coverage as
they become available and are approved;
• Reduce the total healthcare costs associated with this disease by
decreasing the incidence of complications, co-morbidities and
disabilities resulting from this medical condition.
www.LymphedemaTreatmentAct.org ~ [email protected]
It is a great day, making it....
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of any medical institution.