On May 22 & 23, 2023 Ta Ta Rebels attended the celebration of the Lymphedema Treatment Act! There was a celebratory dinner on Monday evening with all the state advocates that could attend.
Kim Ramirez became a state advocate in 2018 and was in attendance with Pam Cooper. Many friendships were formed through the evening. There were over one hundred attendees from all over the United States to celebrate this monumental achievement. Kim Ramirez formed Ta Ta Rebels Inc in 2018 because there were no resources to help with added cost of a Lymphedema diagnosis four years after completing treatments. At this time, she also became an advocate for the LTA in support of insurances covering this expense.
Heather Ferguson, founder, with her representative, Larry Kissell, first introduced the Lymphedema Treatment Act to the House in 2010. Each year the support grew until, finally on December 23, 2022, it became law when it was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.
This will help so many millions of people that suffer from lymphedema with their expenses for garments and therapy. The Honorable Buddy Carter and Maria Cantwell were instrumental in successfully getting the bill passed in the House to move forward to the Senate Floor. It was dedication, ambition, and stubbornness by LTA board, advocates and supporters that made it possible.
This will go into effect on Jan 1, 2024. So, starting next year many won’t have to choose between getting compression sleeves, or doing therapy, or follow-up treatments to maintain their lymphedema and live a healthy active lifestyle.
