The Lymphedema Treatment Act will cover what health insurance doesn’t
SAN ANTONIO – The Lymphedema Treatment Act that goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024, will cover what health insurance doesn’t, such as compression supplies to reduce the condition’s painful swelling.
“It not only approves coverage for wraps, but also the compression garments and the pumps as well,” said Cynthia Orr, a breast cancer survivor who developed lymphedema.
Orr had pushed for the federal legislation in August to expand Medicare coverage of lymphedema treatments.
A successful criminal defense attorney, Orr could afford the treatments, unlike many others who cannot and risk their lives by not getting treatment.
“That just really angered me,” Orr said. “It doesn’t make any sense.”
Adopted as a last-minute amendment to the 2023 omnibus appropriations legislation, Orr said, “Without debate, the act passed with wide margins in support and was stronger than when we had first proposed.”
She said the act would also cover any additional treatment