I am a 20-year cancer survivor and 15 year patient with acute lymphedema. Fifteen years ago lymphedema treatment was difficult to diagnosis and treat due to the lack of knowledge of physicians and therapist.
I went to numerous physicians and therapist, spent thousands of dollars and found no improvement in the increased swelling of my lower limbs. I was having breathing and mobility problems as well. However, my husband and I never gave up in our search for help, as I was a survivor already!
After years of infections, hospitalizations, mental and physical pain I found a therapist that started the foam compression wrapping associated with lymphatic massage, my condition improved. I was in the foam and 21 bandages with massage for over 2 years. My health improved and I was told I could finally get into compression stockings. My husband and I were so relieved at the time that we cried.
The coverage with insurance companies then started, and finally after appeals insurance companies with the assistance of my wonderful primary physician realized it was durable medical equipment. I had two different insurance companies that covered lymphedema stockings. They were covered under the Durable Medical Equipment portion of the policy, yet Medicare doesn’t cover them.
The thousands of us on Medicare suffering from lymphedema, and living on Social Security, cannot afford to pay for these medical necessities. We are in a very difficult and medically dangerous position. If we do not get the lymphedema stockings we will end up in the hospital with infections, immobility, and with secondary respiratory and cardiac issues. This will cost Medicare so much more in treatment, therapy and care for the thousands of us with this medical condition.
Please listen to our problem and pass the Lymphedema Treatment Act.
