Georgia Mountain News

This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a rule that will provide relief for lymphedema patients by allowing Medicare Part B coverage of doctor-prescribed compression garments, the clinically recognized treatment for lymphedema. The rule was made possible by the passage of the Lymphedema Treatment Act, authored by U.S. Representatives Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), which amended the Medicare statute to allow for coverage of compression supplies.

Congressman Buddy Carter, co-chair of the Cancer Survivors Caucus and a pharmacist, expressed his excitement about the new rule, saying, "Help has arrived for lymphedema patients, some of whom live through one of the worst diagnoses imaginable – cancer – only to come out the other side with an equally debilitating condition and a fraction of the resources and support. For lymphedema patients, compression garments are a need, not a luxury, and this need is finally being met. I remain committed to ensuring that all patients can access the treatment and care they need."

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, who championed the Lymphedema Treatment Act alongside Congressman Carter, also celebrated the new rule, stating, "Starting this week, nearly three million lymphedema patients on Medicare will see needed relief thanks to the passage of the Lymphedema Treatment Act. Our bill finally expands access to medical compression garments that lymphedema patients rely on to treat their painful, incurable swelling. Cost should never be a barrier to care. I am glad to see that Medicare Part B will now cover these compression garments and related accessories for patients diagnosed with lymphedema."

The Lymphedema Treatment Act ensures that Medicare Part B will cover various lymphedema compression treatment items for each affected body part, including compression garments, compression bandaging systems, gradient compression wraps with adjustable straps, and necessary accessories.

Advocates for lymphedema patients applauded the implementation of the Lymphedema Treatment Act. Heather Ferguson, Founder and Executive Director of the Lymphedema Advocacy Group, expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thanks to the leadership of Representatives Schakowsky and Carter, plus support from hundreds of members on both sides of the aisle, patients like my teenage son, who was born with a rare congenital form of lymphedema, will now be able to access the treatment supplies they need to lead healthier and more productive lives."

Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for Susan G. Komen, also praised the new rule, stating, "After years of advocacy from our community and many others, the recent implementation of the Lymphedema Treatment Act takes a monumental step forward in making care for lymphedema more accessible to breast cancer patients and survivors. We are grateful to Congresswoman Schakowsky and Congressman Carter for this victory on behalf of patients everywhere."

Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive condition that causes swelling and discomfort in various parts of the body due to malfunctions in the lymphatic system. Patients undergoing cancer treatment are especially susceptible to lymphedema. When left untreated or undertreated, lymphedema can lead to complications, infections, loss of function, and disability.

With the implementation of the CMS rule, Medicare Part B coverage of compression garments and related accessories for lymphedema patients will help alleviate the financial burden and ensure that patients can access the necessary treatment and care they need to manage their condition effectively.

To learn more, click on this link: https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=11578