H.R. 4662 - THE LYMPHEDEMA DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT COST SAVING ACT OF 2010 would offer coverage for Medicare beneficiaries with lymphedema from any cause. It would provide the medically recommended protocols (compression bandages, garments and supplies used daily in the treatment and management of lymphedema) and reduce the incidence of lymphedema-related infection. Although this legislation relates specifically to a change in Medicare law, it would also have the almost certain effect of ensuring all private insurance policies follow suit.

LYMPHEDEMA is a medical condition which results in a swelling of any part of the body when the lymphatic vessels and/or lymph nodes are damaged or are inadequate.  Lymphedema affects an estimated 1.5 to 3 million Medicare beneficiaries who currently receive sub-standard treatment from Medicare according to the current medical standard of care. Medicare is spending hundreds of millions of dollars every year in hospitalizations for largely preventable lymphedema-related CELLULITIS.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Call your Representative’s DC office – you can look up the number at http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/index.html and express your desire that they sign on to co-sponsor H.R. 4662. Offer to send them information about lymphedema and the bill. Ask for an email address so that you may send them a packet of information. Click Here to view pdf or email us at info@LymphedemaTreatmentAct.org for a copy of the packet.You can also include this link - http://www.nortonschool.com/video/discoveryhealth/broadband.html - which is a video clip that explains lymphedema. When it comes to lymphedema a picture really is worth 1000 words!

contact us: info@LymphedemaTreatmentAct.org

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