As we conclude this year, we would like to thank the many individuals and organizations who have supported our work: the advocates like you; dozens of stakeholder groups; our 2023 Annual Sponsors, ImpediMed and the National Lymphedema Network; and our long-time Industry Partners, L&R USA, Jobst/Essity, and mediUSA..
Together, we are changing the landscape of lymphedema care in the United States, and we will continue to do everything possible to ensure that lymphedema patients have access to the treatments they need. Every person’s, group’s, and company’s involvement has been integral to our success, and we hope that you will remain engaged in 2024.
A new era for lymphedema coverage begins tomorrow! Thank you for your past, present, and future support, and we wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy new year!
Heather Ferguson
Founder & Executive Director
Lymphedema Advocacy Group
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Below is a summary of the LTA final rule. You can read the full 65 pages here. We have also inserted notes into our group’s public comment document, which can be read here, to indicate which of our comments were incorporated into the final rule.
The final rule is a huge victory for patients, but our work is not done yet. Please visit our Take Action page if you have any insurance plan other than traditional Medicare and haven’t contacted your own insurance provider yet.
Lymphedema Treatment Act Final Rule Coverage Summary
What will be covered:
- Custom and standard fit daytime and nighttime garments.
- Custom and standard fit gradient compression wraps with adjustable straps.
- Bandaging supplies for any phase of treatment.
- Accessories including but not limited to donning and doffing aids, padding, fillers, linings, and zippers.
Frequency allowances:
- Daytime garments – 3 sets (one garment for each affected body part) every six months, standard or custom fit, or a combination of both
- Nighttime garments – 2 sets (one garment for each affected body part) every two years, standard or custom fit, or a combination of both
- Bandaging supplies – no set limit in the rule.
- Accessories – no set limit, will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the needs of the patient.
Coverage requirements:
- To be eligible for the above coverage, a patient must have been diagnosed with lymphedema and have a prescription for the compression supplies.
- The coverage will begin January 1, 2024. There will be no retroactive coverage, meaning, you cannot submit claims for any garments or supplies purchased or ordered before 1/1/2024.
Codes and reimbursement rates:
- Starting next year, there will be 78 HCPSC codes specifically for lymphedema compression supplies, most of which are new, and the rule also outlines the process for the creation of additional codes in the future if needed.
- The corresponding reimbursement rates for these codes will be released soon and are not included in the rule.
Deductibles and copay:
- For traditional Medicare — these supplies will be covered under Part B, so the annual Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance apply to all compression supplies.
- For Medicare Advantage and all other types of insurance — out-of-pocket costs will vary depending on the specific terms of your plan. It is likely that your compression supplies will be subject to the same copay and deductibles as supplies covered under the DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetic and Orthotic Supplies) section of your policy.
PLEASE NOTE: The final rule also outlines the process for making future changes to and/or additions to coverage if/when needed. This is very important, and ensures we will not be in the position of needing to get another law passed if adjustments to the coverage need to be made, or if new treatment supplies become available and need to be added to coverage.
Together, our advocacy made all of this possible!
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