GEORGIA LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT ACT OF 2005

Our sincere appreciation to members of the Georgia Lymphedema Legislative Committee for their dedication and commitment to writing the "Lymphedema Treatment Act of 2005".  The bill is written to assure coverage for treatment, bandages, garments, and other devices necessary for the best care/continued care of a Lymphedema patient.

The committee members:
  Writing of Bill:

•   Bernice Cohen                    Elaine Gunter                     Gary Gunter                        Linda Harman

•   Laura Hoffman                    Clint Labarthe                    Debbie Labarthe                  Pat O'Connor

•   Stacy Saraydar                    Janie Smith                        DeCourcy Squire                  Joan White

 Other Committee Members:

•   Lois Craver                        Colleen Eyre                         Allison Grimes                    Stephanie Hood

•   Kim Mainer                         Cole Sanders                       Libbie Sanders       
  

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If you or a loved one developed

Lymphedema

Would you be able to get treatment?

*

Would your insurance cover your needs for

lifelong management of this condition?

*

Support the Lymphedema

Treatment Act of 2005

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Summary of Bill's Provisions

The Bill will require health insurance companies to cover the medical costs of:

• Proper diagnosis by a qualified physician

• Tests for diagnosis, treatment, and evaluating progress

• Treatment by a certified Lymphedema therapist after initial diagnosis is made, regardless of cause of lymphedema

• All medically required compression garments, compression bandaging supplies, and devices, including fittings and adjustments and replacements as needed, for lifetime management

• The course of therapy shall be provided by a certified lymphedema therapists and physician.

A treatment plan will be developed, adhering to current treatment standards for lymphedema, using the Complex Decongestive Therapy Protocol which includes:

• Meticulous skin care

• Manual lymph drainage (MLD)

• Compression therapy

• Decongestive exercise sequence

• Patient/family/caregiver education

• Only a license and knowledgeable physician or surgeon may deny requests for coverage.

These benefits would begin July 1, 2005

The bill

• Does not alter co-payment or deductibles

• Does not impose a new benefit mandate on accident-only, specific disease, or hospital indemnity insurance

• Does not require the state to pay for lymphedema treatment

For more information, please contact:

The Lighthouse Lymphedema Network
10240 Crescent Ridge Drive, Roswell, GA 30076
770.442.1317

Contact Joan White