Senators reintroduce lymphedema legislation

WASHINGTON – Sens. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, have reintroduced the Lymphedema Treatment Act with 52 co-sponsors.

The bill, S. 1315, would require Medicare to pay for compression garments, bandages and supplies to reduce lymphedema-related swelling and prevent recurrence.

Similar bills have been introduced in both the Senate and the House of Representatives in previous sessions of Congress. S. 518, introduced in 2019, garnered 71 co-sponsors while its companion bill, H.R. 1948 garnered 386 co-sponsors.

The Lymphedema Advocacy Group is asking its members to thank their senators for taking the first step.

“Now we need them to get our bill through the Senate and signed into law,” said Heather Ferguson, founder and executive director. “Your thank-you calls will not only show your appreciation, but also encourage and inspire them to take the next steps.”