Eating disorder treatment facilities are expensive. Some families pay out-of-pocket, but many can't afford to and turn to their insurance companies for help. Unfortunately, many insurance companies severely limit the amount of coverage they offer. Kitty and Mark Westin know this first hand. They spent a lot of time an effort fighting their insurance agency when their daughter, Anna, was struggling with an eating disorder. In hopes of helping other families in similar situations, they list several suggestions on their website.

"It is also important to understand which covered treatments are funded through the 'health' section of your plan and which are funded through the 'mental health' section. For example, your psychiatrist and medical doctor will be funded through 'health benefits' and you should insist that these are billed this way. You will probably have lower co-pays and services will not be as limited."

The Westins offer suggestions also if you find yourself having to file an appeal with your insurance company. Read more at AnnaWestinFoundation.org.

Labels: insurance, costs, health care

Posted By: Aspen Education Group