[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 188 (Monday, December 5, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT ACT

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                            HON. PAUL TONKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 5, 2022

  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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