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9th NLN International Conference 9.22.2010

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Weight Lifting and LE: Clearing Up Misconceptions

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Action Alert

• Historic Day in Connecticut
• Medicare Therapy Cap Legislation Update
• Change to Medicare Reimbursement Ruling
• Virginia: Statewide Legislation Addressing Lymphedema Treatment Passes
• Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA)

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Historic Day in Connecticut

The Circle of Hope Lymphedema Foundation joined with the Coalition for Lymphedema Legislation to present testimony to the Joint House and Senate Committee for Insurance and Real Estate on January 23, 2007 .  SB 55, an act to require health insurance coverage for medical supplies for persons with lymphedema and help such persons with costs of treatment, and HB 5303, an act requiring health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema were combined for testimony.  There was one opponent representing the Connecticut Business and Industry Association and their main theme was "NO MANDATES"; we were prepared to counter their position. 

Testimonies included:

• Teresa Younger, Executive Director, Permanent Commission on the Status of Women
• Tricia Warner, OTR/L,CLT-LANA, COHLF Board member (Lymphedema 101)
• Carolyn Lucey, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, Head of the Coalition and COHLF Board member
• Ann Trinkus, lower extremity Lymphedema patient
• Jeanne Tassis, President and Founder of COHLF
• Tom Tassis, Vice President COHLF (cost justification analysis from Bob Weiss, the NLN's Legislative expert)
• Jean Sciadone, primary leg lymphedema patient
• Letters from Dr. David Knight, a local surgeon and lymphedema advocate, and the NLN's executive Director Saskia Thiadens, RN were read for the public record.

The battle has just begun.  To keep the pressure on, write, fax or email your State representatives.  Let them know there are more than seven people interested in this condition and how proper treatment, not deterred by the economic roadblocks insurance companies set up, can save money and reduce health care costs.  We are especially indebted to the many years of help from Bob Weiss.

 

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