PAYING FOR LYMPHEDEMA CARE IN B.C.
One of BC Lymphedema Association's (BCLA) main goals is expanding coverage for people with Lymphedema and your membership and donations help our advocacy efforts greatly.

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WHAT IS PUBLICLY FUNDED in B.C.? 

Funding for compression eligible prescriptions and supplies in BC is through Pharmacare. 
Funding for MLD treatment comes under the Medical Services Plan (MSP) but only for patients on income assistance.

   For compression reimbursement coverage, you need a prescription from a physician or nurse practitioner dated within the past 12    months. Prescription detail must include:

   Diagnosis
   Compression Class
   Which body part covered (Left or Right or Both)
   Quantity
   Duration required

   Pharmacare

   Coverage for breast cancer related lymphedema and income based.

            Plan 1 – Fair Pharmacare

            Plan C – Income Assistance

            Plan W – First Nations Health Authority

 

   To check which Pharmacare Plan you are under: Call 1-800-661-7100

   Click here for BCLA retailers that can submit pharmacare applications.

   Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction

   (MoSD&PR) covers any body part with lymphedema – the fitter prepares a quote for items and sends along with the

    prescription/medical note to the MoSD&PR.  This can be a 4-8 week process.

   First Nations Health Authority& Health Canada's Non-Insured Health Benefits Program

   (NIHB)(Federal) – Medical Supplies & Equipment (MS&E) in partnership with Pacific Blue Cross will cover medically necessary

“surgical    stockings and pressure garments”.   Call 1-855-550-5454.    

   NIHB/Pacific Blue Cross coverage varies Over The Counter (OTC, ready made) versus Made to Measure (MTM, custom) products,

and may also cover some bandaging costs.  Prescription required.

   MSP

   Patients on income assistance may be eligible for $23 reimbursement from MSP per session to a maximum of 10 sessions a year for            Manual Lymph Drainage coverage from a registered therapist.  Please note the treatments reimbursed per year include all massage

   therapy, physiotherapy and chiropractic appointments combined to a total of 10 sessions.
   Complete form (HLTH 1916) patient and therapist and submit along with prescription to MSP within 90 days of treatment date.     Prescription required for massage or physiotherapy.  

PRIVATE INSURANCE COVERAGE

Varies from plan to plan. Prescription required.

INCOME TAX
If you do not have any (or much) extended health and do not fall into any of the previous coverage categories keep all your medical expenses and claim on your income tax.  Prescription required.

LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT COSTS (Approximate Estimates)

If you are seeking treatment for lymphedema, it's important to have an idea of the potential costs involved.  Below is a breakdown of approximate prices based on patient experiences.  Keep in mind that costs may vary depending on location and individual circumstances.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD):   A specialized massage that helps clear lymphatic fluid from affected areas and stimulates lymph nodes to improve lymphatic system function. Sessions typically last 45 minutes to an hour long.    

    - Cost:    $100-$180 per session

    Tip: Ensure your therapist is certified to treat lymphedema.

Bandages (Short Stretch, Padding, Stocking):

These bandages are used to reduce swelling and support the lymphatic system. 

    - Arm bandaging kit: $100 - $200  
    - Leg bandaging kit : $120 - $300 

Velcro reduction kits:   

These kits assist with reducing swelling by providing compression and support.

    - Cost: $300 - $1,100

Comprehensive Decongestive Treatment (CDT) with a Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) therapist: 

For initial swellling reduction, it is recommended to see a therapist 6-10 times within a three week period for MLD and bandaging (or velcro wrapping), along with education on self-bandaging or compression.

     - Cost:  $800 - $1600 

Compression Garment Applicator/Donner: 

This device that helps you put on compression garments more easily and is often made of a smooth plastic.

     - Cost: ~$40

Compression Garments

After reducing swelling, ongoing compression is essential.  You may need off-the-shelf or custom garments, depending on your limb shape.

     - Custom compression Arm: $250-$325

     - Custom compression Leg: $280-$400

In addition to arm garments you may need a gauntlet or glove for your hand.   For legs, you may require a lower leg, full leg, leg with stocking, or a toe cap. 

Compression shorts may also be necessary.  

Liners 

Liners are worn under compression garments to make them more comfortable and easier to put on or don.

    - Cost (2 pack): $40-60

 

Night Garments

Night garments help reduce swelling and minimize fibrosis during sleep. 

   - Full Length Custom Night Garment:  $800-$1000
   - Partial leg (calf only): $450/$500 
   - Off-the-Shelf Night Garment: ~$500