Exciting news – while not related to implementation of the Lymphedema Treatment Act, Medicare has just made another change that will also be beneficial to many lymphedema patients. They are removing the requirement that a patient must fail to improve during four weeks of “conservative” therapy in order to qualify for coverage of a pneumatic compression pump. This article summarizes the changes, which are effective immediately, and you can read the official policy revisions here.
As part of the public comment period, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) has set a deadline of 5:00pm eastern on August 29th for submitting feedback on the proposed rules surrounding implementation of the Lymphedema Treatment Act. All the information you need to learn what is in the proposed rules and how to prepare and submit your comments is below.
It’s time to make your voice heard! The form to submit your comments on the Lymphedema Treatment Act rules can be accessed HERE, and if needed, step-by-step instructions on how to use the form can be accessed HERE.
We had originally planned to use our advocacy tools to create our own submission form, in an effort to streamline the process for you. However, after testing, we have concluded that the best way for you to submit your comments is by doing so directly through Regulations.gov. This has two advantages that were not possible had we used our own form – the ability to add attachments and receipt of a confirmation number that will allow you to track your comment when it is posted on the Regulations.gov site.
Comments must be submitted by August 29th at 5:00pm eastern. Please review the following resources before submitting your comments:
- Read CMS’s full proposed coverage plan for lymphedema compression garments and supplies.
- One-page Summary of the Draft Rules
- Tips for Submitting Effective Comments
- Watch our webinars:
- LTA Draft Rules – Review of Contents
- LTA Draft Rules Content & Tips for Submitting Comments –
*PLEASE NOTE: the slides from this webinar serve as an excellent checklist for the topics you may wish to comment on.
Only one comment per-person is allowed, so please plan accordingly when drafting your comments. Our group will also be submitting feedback as an organization, but, just as with getting the bill passed, each individual voice is important!
After reviewing all of the above resources, if you still have questions, feel free to contact us. We would be happy to review your comments before you submit them or assist you in any way needed.
Thank you for your advocacy!
Heather Ferguson
Founder & Executive Director
Lymphedema Advocacy Group
LymphedemaTreatmentAct.org
