United Healthcare: Does Insurance Cover Anorexia Treatment

Humana plans that include behavioral health benefits may include coverage for alcohol or drug addiction treatment. It is logical to turn major medical benefits because the semi-starvation that results from anorexia.

Insurance Coverage What To Know About Eating Disorder Treatment

Medicare only covers PHP if your medical physician and the PHP program accept your request and.

Does insurance cover anorexia treatment. Medical benefits coverage also often comes into play when treating eating disorder-associated medical conditions so diagnosing all physical illnesses present is important. Despite the fact that recovery is just beginning and much more work needs to be done some insurance plans focus on the weight restoration as the cure. However the extent to how much of treatment may be covered is dependent on your particular insurance plan the state you reside and the severity of your disorder.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Treatment costs in the United States can be very expensive. Anorexia is a notoriously difficult disorder to treat.

With relapse rates being so high health insurance coverage is even more of a concern. Eating disorders are both psychological and physical and treatment must include both counseling and medical team members. Some of the most commonly covered forms of specialty treatment include group therapy sessions art therapy and chiropractic services.

Despite the clear evidence that eating disorders are life-threatening illnesses with both physical and psychological components coverage for treatment is not always adequate. Insurance coverage varies for inpatient treatment of eating disorders. Anorexia can be a lifelong illness.

Like most states New Jersey law doesnt require insurers like Aetna to cover the cost of eating disorder treatment despite the fact that some 11 million people are afflicted by eating problems. For example if you have anorexia nervosa of the bingepurge type and residential treatment is recommended for 60 days your insurance benefits may only cover 10 days of residential treatment. An average cost of a monthly inpatient stay can run upwards of 30000.

Some insurers categorize anorexia and bulimia nervosa as severe disorders that qualify for extensive inpatient and outpatient benefits while others may not. In this case first try calling your insurance company and ask to obtain your major medical benefits. Eighteen states only require eating disorder coverage in certain health plans like state employee and group health.

Many people who have anorexia recover some improve and some have problems with anorexia throughout their lives. So youd be covered for the anxiety but not the learning behavioural and developmental conditions. Yes almost all of the Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plans include treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues but the amount.

Most insurance companies understand that mental health is a holistic matter and. Medicare will also cover occupational therapy that may be a part of your mental health treatment or individual patient training and education about the eating disorder. Some people elect for outpatient anorexia treatment.

The first goal of anorexia treatment is to restore a normal healthy body weight. However if the person seeking treatment. Like many eating disorder specialists I spend increasing amounts of time disclosing patients confidential information to insurance companies only to get approval for less treatment than is appropriate or none at all.

Some insurers categorize anorexia and bulimia nervosa as severe disorders that qualify for extensive inpatient and outpatient benefits while others may not. 5 The level of coverage varies for different types of Humana Health insurance plans. Although eating disorders can be treated successfully some insurance companies have refused payment for much-needed care Under Obamacare 10 states now require coverage for anorexia and bulimia on the same basis as other mental health conditions.

If a specialty eating disorder treatment interests you there is a good chance that your Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association insurance will cover it. A 30-day stint at a residential treatment center for eating disorders can cost up to 30000. Treatment is costly and out-of-pocket expenses through health insurance and MedicareMedicaid may become excessive and add up.

Studies show that early intervention offers the best chance of recovery. So you may be surprised to know that health insurance companies often dont adequately cover treatment for eating disorders. If your insurance benefits do not match the recommended treatment.

For example when a person with anorexia reaches their goal weight the insurance company may deny further coverage. Check with your insurance carrier to learn about your coverage. The average cost of stay can range from 500 dollars a day to 2000 dollars per day 3.

Most insurance plans cover some form of treatment for anorexia and other eating disorders. Although we dont cover these we will cover mental health conditions associated with them such as anxiety. When adequate treatment is not offered relapse can.

But recovery is possible. Most Humana plans provide addiction treatment coverage. Anorexia recovery requires long-term commitment and relapses are common particularly during stressful periods.

What to think about. Medical benefits coverage also often comes into play when treating eating disorder-associated medical conditions so diagnosing all physical illnesses present is important.

Despite Progress Patients Still Struggle With Insurance Coverage For Eating Disorder Treatment