Although our primary focus is passage of the Lymphedema Treatment Act, we support and advocate for other legislation related to improving insurance coverage for lymphedema treatment when there is the opportunity to do so. We have news to share about two other bills – one federal and the other in the Minnesota state legislature.
Note that neither of these bills lessen the need for the Lymphedema Treatment Act, but, if passed, each could improve coverage for a segment of patients under certain circumstance. Therefore, if you or someone you care about stands to benefit, and in the case of the Minnesota bill if you are a constituent, we encourage you support these bills.
Bill #1 – Congenital Primary Lymphedema Patients:
A federal bill was just introduced that aims to require private insurance plans to cover treatments for congenital defects. If this bill becomes law, it would apply to compression supplies used in the treatment of congenital primary lymphedema. The Lymphedema Advocacy Group is one of the official endorsing organizations of this legislation. Because it was introduced so recently, the bill is not online yet, but when it is we will pass along more information and links for you to take action.
Bill #2 – Minnesota Lymphedema Patients:
Members of our Minnesota State Advocacy Team have succeeded in getting a state bill introduced that would require all non-self funded private insurances plans sold in their state to cover compression supplies for lymphedema from any cause (self-funded plans are always exempt from state mandates). This bill is modeled after state mandates already passed in MD and NC, which were also spearheaded by members of our group. If you live in Minnesota, please see the information below by signature on how you can support this legislation.
Note that neither of the above bills would apply to Medicare or Medicaid plans, and sometimes other plans are excluded as well. Nevertheless, it is important that we seize every opportunity to improve coverage!
Heather Ferguson
Founder & Executive Director
Lymphedema Advocacy Group
LymphedemaTreatmentAct.org
 |
To Take Action in Minnesota:
The bill has already cleared its first hurdle with an initial hearing. On March 1st this bill (HF 56) was heard in the Commerce Committee. Dr. Nancy Hutchison did a phenomenal job of explaining what lymphedema is and the need for treatment, wraps, compression garments, etc. The bill was re-referred to the Health Finance and Policy Committee.
At this time your help is needed to ensure that the bill is scheduled for a Health Finance and Policy Committee hearing. Please send a short email message and/or phone message to the three individuals below, requesting that a hearing be scheduled for “HF 56”. Thank you!
Health Finance and Policy Committee Chair: Rep. Tina Liebling
rep.tina.liebling@house.mn
651-296-0573
Committee Administrator: Patrick McQuillan
Patrick.mcquillan@house.mn
651-296-4938
HF 56 Bill Author: Rep. Steve Elkins
rep.Steve.elkins@house.mn
651-296-7803
