Medicare doesn't cover lymphedema sleeve

that surprises me too.

If you want to QUESTION it, call the LOCAL office of your Member of Congress.  They all have a LOCAL offie to deal with constituent issues.  Medicare is a FEDERAL Program.  They will probably have a person who deals with it - ASK, maybe your response was a "fluke' - or maybe with a call from your member of Congress - you can get the decision changed.

A friend had a problem with Medicare, they wouldn't cover something bc related - I suggested she call - and Mediare changed their position.  Worth a call, I think.

Yes, Medicare doesn't cover lymphedema garments---and last year they reviewed the topic and decided not to change anything. I do know some fitters seem to get around the Medicare issue, but most just charge the people who can afford it the least, full price.

Medicare does cover treatment: just not garments. Does than make any sense?

There is a bill languishing in Congress to get them covered. It's no where near getting passed.

There is a man, Bob Weiss, who will fight for medicare patients, but it's a long process.

If people don't have coverage at all, I'll have them go to a fitter and get measured, and then order the sleeve/gauntlet/glove on line at one of the better on-line retailers (like brightlifedirect) at a reduced price.

It's just plain ridiculous not to cover a medically necessary garment. Calling your representative doesn't hurt, and here's a link to the bill in congress:

http://lymphedematreatmentact.org/

Lymphedema stinks on so many levels, and the expense is another one of those levels.

Kira

I know this is an old thread but in case anyone stumbles across it, here are a few links off the top off my head:

Nationwide: Crickett's Answer for Cancer

Nationwide: The Breast Cancer Society (If you're approved, this organization will provide a personal grant in the amount of $100 for 6 consecutive months ($600 total). You can use the $100 monthly check for anything - including Lymphedema garments.)

Mississippi: Pink Hearts Fund

Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. - Critters for the Cure

Those are just a few off the top of my head. I hope it helps.