[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 38 (Wednesday, April 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E488]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E488]]
INTRODUCING A BILL TO PROVIDE MEDICARE COVERAGE FOR COMPRESSION SLEEVES

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                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2002

  Ms. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced a bill to provide 
Medicare coverage for compression sleeves and stockings used to treat 
lymphedema.
  Lymphatic obstruction is the blockage of the lymph vessels, which 
drain fluid from tissues throughout the body. Lymphedema causes painful 
swelling in the arms or legs.
  Lymphedema occurs in 10-15% of the women who receive mastectomies, 
but lymphatic obstruction can be caused by many things including 
trauma, tumors, and post-surgical and post-radiation therapy.
  A compression sleeve or stocking will compress the swollen tissues 
caused by lymphedema and prevent fluid from building up. A compression 
sleeve can help control the pain, yet Medicare does not cover 
compression sleeves and stockings. My bill will correct this oversight.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation and help women who 
have undergone a mastectomy and now suffer from lymphedema.

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