Lymphedema Treatment Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Lymphedema Treatment Act, and to pay tribute to my constituents with lymphedema and their loved ones.

Nearly ten million Americans currently suffer from lymphedema, symptoms of which include intense discomfort, recurring infections, and difficulty moving. Lymphedema is characterized by swelling of the arms and legs often caused by cancer or cancer treatments that result in the damage or blockage of the lymphatic system. There is no cure, but there are effective treatments. I want to take the time to recognize one of my constituents named Emma. Emma is 14 years old and was born with this incurable, progressive disease in her legs and feet. She first visited D.C. to advocate for this bill when she was 6 years old. Emma's advocacy has taught my team and me about lymphedema and the priorities for those living with this disease. She has shared about the painful complications and the need for the best treatment to be affordable.

Currently, Medicare does not cover the cost of compression treatment items. The Lymphedema Treatment Act would improve coverage for the treatment of lymphedema by extending coverage to include certain lymphedema compression treatment items. As a proud cosponsor and longtime supporter, I was excited to vote in support of H.R. 3630, the Lymphedema Treatment Act, when it came for a vote in the House of Representatives. I urge the Senate to move this critical legislation forward. We owe it to Emma and to all those suffering from lymphedema to get this bill signed into law. I also hope that private insurers will follow suit and do the right things with coverage for compression treatment items.

I thank Emma, her family and my many constituents who advocated for this and made a difference in pushing this forward.

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