Yes, there may be some light at the end of the “lymphedilema” tunnel, but we need you to get involved. How many years have we been trying to convince Medicare that treatment for lymphedema is imperative if we are going to avoid costly complications (not to mention quality of life issues)? Thanks to patient advocates like Bob Weiss who refused to give up on this endeavor, a bill has been introduced to the House of Representatives. If we are going make this happen we need to ban together and let our legislators know we need their help getting this bill passed. If you have been struggling with lymphedema as well as the inability to get insurance reimbursement for treatment and/or supplies, you understand how important this is.
You may be interested to know this bill was introduced to the House of Representatives February 23, 2010 by Congressman Larry Kissell of North Carolina. Last July a similar bill passed in the North Carolina legislature (H.R. 535). Lets hope we can get a similar bill passed for the State of Washington. Getting one passed at the national level would certainly make it easier.
Tags: Lymphedema, Self-Care Class
I will be happy to help volunteers achieve a bill in their states. If you get a team together, I’ll brief you and provide the materials you will need. I am particularly interested in contacting California residents who wish to become active. We are attempting to persuade Senator Feinstein to sponsor a Senate version of the House bill H.R.4662.