The Lymphedema Treatment Act is a federal law signed in December 2022. Before it, Medicare did not pay for compression garments, even though daily compression is the main treatment for lymphedema. Since January 1, 2024, Medicare Part B covers them.
What's covered
Medicare covers these items for each affected body part:
Ready-to-wear (standard) and custom-fitted daytime compression garments
Nighttime compression garments
Compression wraps with adjustable straps
Compression bandaging systems and supplies
Accessories such as donning and doffing aids, liners, padding and zippers
How many garments you can get
Daytime garments: 3 per affected body part every 6 months
Nighttime garments: 2 per affected body part every 2 years
You can get replacements sooner if a garment is lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair, or if your limb size changes. Your provider will need to write a new order.
Who qualifies
To be covered, you need all of the following:
Medicare Part B
A diagnosis of lymphedema in your medical record. This includes primary lymphedema and lymphedema after cancer treatment, surgery or injury. Compression for other reasons, such as varicose veins or tired legs without lymphedema, is not covered under this benefit.
A written order (prescription) from your doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or clinical nurse specialist that lists the items you need
A Medicare-enrolled supplier to provide the items
What you'll pay
After you meet your Part B deductible, Medicare generally pays 80% and you pay 20%. A secondary insurance plan may cover some or all of your share.
Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and private insurance
Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least what Original Medicare covers, but they may require prior authorization or an in-network supplier. The Lymphedema Treatment Act applies to Medicare only, so Medicaid and private plan coverage varies. We check your plan and give you your costs in writing before anything is ordered.
Can I have a pump and garments?
Yes. Medicare will consider coverage for compression garments at the same time as a compression pump.
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: what patients report
The Lymphedema Treatment Act applies to all Medicare plans, but Medicare Advantage plans can handle it differently. The 2026 Coverage Report from the Lymphedema Advocacy Group and the Lymphedema Education & Awareness Project surveyed 482 people with lymphedema in fall 2026. Among the findings:
People with Original Medicare rated their out-of-pocket costs, replacements and brand choice higher than people with Medicare Advantage.
53% of Original Medicare respondents said there are enough suppliers who take their insurance. For some Medicare Advantage plans, it was under 30%.
Medicare Advantage members reported garment denials ranging from none to 44% of items, depending on the plan.
Many Medicare Advantage members didn't know how many garments their plan covers.
If you're choosing a plan, ask any Medicare Advantage plan for its written coverage policy, quantity limits and in-network suppliers before you enroll. Read more in our article Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: Comparing Lymphedema Coverage. The full report is available on the Lymphedema Advocacy Group website.
How to get started
Ask your doctor or therapist to send us a prescription and a recent progress note by fax or Parachute Health.
We contact you within 2 business days and check your benefits in writing.
A Certified Compression Therapist measures and fits you.
We let you know when you're due for replacements.
Questions? Call (800) 883-1549 or text (517) 657-5223.
Sources: CMS: Lymphedema Compression Treatment Items · CGS Medicare: Lymphedema Compression FAQs
