- Calls to this hotline are currently being directed to Within Health or Eating Disorder Solutions
- Representatives are standing by 24/7 to help answer your questions
- All calls are confidential and HIPAA compliant
- There is no obligation or cost to call
- Eating Disorder Hope does not receive any commissions or fees dependent upon which provider you select
- Additional treatment providers are located on our directory or samhsa.gov
Obtaining Insurance Coverage for BED
It can be difficult to obtain Insurance Coverage for BED when it comes to treatment. If you are denied, do not give up. There are many ways to appeal denials and obtain coverage for you or your loved one.
An individual must already meet strict criteria to be diagnosed with an eating disorder, but insurance companies often have even more specific guidelines for coverage.
They might only authorize treatment at the lowest level of care to see if it will be successful, even if an individual has been recommended for inpatient or residential programs.
First Steps for Coverage
If you are seeking outpatient care for BED, first locate a therapist, nutritionist, physician, or other professional you want to see for treatment. These offices will likely contact your insurance for authorization, or you can call yourself to confirm.
In many cases, these eating disorder professionals will not accept insurance. Your plan might still cover a portion of the cost if you pay out-of-pocket and send them a bill. However, this is often unreliable and can leave you with a majority, if not all, of the cost.
If you are seeking an inpatient or residential program, you are encouraged to call your insurance company directly to request authorization. You will need your diagnosis, including any co-occurring conditions, and insurance information handy. Make a written record of all conversations you have with your insurance company.
What if Insurance Coverage for BED is Denied?
If you are denied coverage, feel empowered to take action. Know your state and federal laws regarding coverage for mental health and do not be afraid to use this knowledge to advocate for your rights.
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) was passed to protect your right to mental health care, including eating disorder treatment. MHPAEA makes it a requirement for many health insurance plans to provide the same benefits for mental health and addiction services as they do for medical and surgical.
If you have an HMO or other health plan that might not usually authorize BED treatment at an inpatient or residential facility, ask if your insurance company will authorize a single case agreement to cover your length of stay. You can negotiate for more coverage later, if needed.
Whatever your case is, do not give up when it comes to advocating for your recovery. Insurance companies hold a lot of power when it comes to eating disorder treatment. You can help make sure they use this power for good.
About the Author:
Courtney Howard graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. from San Diego State University, holds a paralegal certificate in Family Law, and is a Certified Domestic Violence Advocate.
After obtaining her certification as a life coach, Courtney launched Lionheart Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching in 2015 and continues to be a passionate advocate for awareness and recovery.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on March 8, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
