An occupational therapy assistant at Pella Regional Health Center lobbied Congress about a bill that could help millions of U.S. residents.

Kara Groenenboom says she was in Washington D.C. to discuss the Lymphedema Treatment Act with Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst earlier this month. The bill — which was approved as part of the $1.7 trillion omnibus that passed Friday, aims to improve insurance coverage for the medically necessary, doctor-prescribed compression supplies. She says Lymphedema is chronic swelling (edema) caused by a build up of fluid (lymph) that occurs when the lymphatic system is either faulty or damaged, and while there is no cure, it can be effectively treated, although often at significant cost to the patient. It is estimated that 3-5 million Americans suffer from lymphedema, which is often misdiagnosed or missed entirely.

Hear more about the Lymphedema Treatment Act on the Let’s Talk Pella podcast and read more about the proposed bill here.