2018 was full of milestones and progress that will carry on into the new Congress! Three of the most significant items are highlighted here.
#1) We succeeded in getting a lymphedema directive included in the Appropriations “mini-bus” that was passed this September!
We did not tout this accomplishment earlier because we did not want to take away focus from building support for the LTA. You can read the language in the House and Senate Appropriations Committee Reports here. Ultimately, it was the Senate language that was included in the mini-bus (see pg 142). While passage of the LTA is still necessary in order to create a benefit category under which compression supplies can be covered, passage of this directive elevates the importance of doing so.
#2) We made huge inroads with officials at HHS and CMS!
Our House champion, Rep Dave Reichert, personally met with HHS Secretary Azar and other high ranking officials at HHS and CMS. We (the Lymphedema Advocacy Group) also met with CMS. Their level of education about lymphedema is steadily increasing, and with that the realization of how vitally important it is that this coverage gap be closed. After the LTA is passed, many details about how the coverage is implemented will be under the purvey of HHS and CMS, and hence why building this relationship and understanding is crucial.
#3) We got passage of the LTA on the radar of Congressional leaders!
There are literally thousands of bills introduced in every Congress. Only a handful are elevated to the point of being discussed with leadership, and fewer still are passed. Because of you we had the most supported healthcare bill in Congress – finishing with an almost unheard of 451 cosponsors – making it impossible to ignore us! While the current leadership failed to take up the LTA in this Congress, the foundation laid will carry on in to the next Congress. Of particular importance to us is Senator Grassley’s new position as Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over our bill.
In summary, we are not starting over as we enter a new Congress, but rather entering a whole new tier!
I know how frustrating it is that under our current political system it takes years to get something done – even something so worthy, bipartisan and commonsense as the LTA – but we are get closer each year and we will get there. We’ll keep you posted on the reintroduction of the bill, and anything you can do in the interim.
Thank you and Happy New Year!
Heather Ferguson
Founder & Executive Director
Lymphedema Advocacy Group
LymphedemaTreatmentAct.org
