Lymphedema Advocacy Update

February 5, 2014

As a weight loss surgery patient with Lymphedema and Lipedema, I believe it is important to share my Lymphedema advocacy efforts with the ObesityHelp community. Recently, there has been some exciting progress made and I wanted to share the great news with you and ask for your continued support.

National Update - On Wednesday, January 15, 2014 the Lymphedema Treatment Act was introduced into the 113th Congress (bill number HR 3877) by lead sponsor, Rep. Reichert (R-WA), and co-leads Rep. Lance (R-NJ), Rep. Blumenauer (D-OR), and Rep. Braley (D-IA).

State Updates - New Jersey introduced state legislation to mandate coverage for lymphedema treatment. As of January 1, 2014, California "Marketplace" insurance plans cover compression supplies.

You can help by sending a letter to your Representative, asking him/her to cosponsor this bill, by using the submission form on the Lymphedema Treatment Act website.  A brief template letter is provided, but please make your letter even more effective by adding one personalized paragraph reflecting your own perspective and experiences.

I met with my congressman, Rep. Brad Wenstrup (OH) in August to share my story and personally ask him to support the Lymphedema Treatment Act and have followed up with his staff to ask for his co-sponsorship now that the legislation has been introduced.

wenstrup

Rep. Brad Wenstrup (OH)

More ways that you can you help:

Join your state's advocacy team!

Join me in Washington, DC for Lymphedema Lobby Days!

saralicious

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah (aka Sarahlicious) has been an active member of ObesityHelp since 2003. Her specific areas of interests are Lipedema, Lymphedema, Obesity, and Health Insurance advocacy. Sarah writes about her life experiences at Born2lbFat. She is a member of the Board of Directors of both the Obesity Action Coalition and the Lymphedema Advocacy Group. Sarah has a Masters in Health Law.

Read more articles by Sarah Bramblette!