As we enter the new year, the new federal mental health parity legislation goes into effect. While this legislation is a landmark in many ways, at this time it does not guarantee that people who suffer from eating disorders will be able to access treatment without discrimination by insurance companies and state rules/regulations.
For all of us in the eating disorder community, a top priority must be full parity for eating disorder treatment in every state. At present time, Ohio limits mental health parity to seven diagnoses. It does not specify eating disorders as one of those diagnoses. It is a goal of CCED to make the legislature aware and to assist advocates, patients, family members, and friends of those with eating disorders to encourage the state of Ohio to acknowledge the biological basis of eating disorders, the effectiveness of evidenced based care, and the necessity for all insurance companies to provide parity coverage for eating disorder diagnoses. Please join us in this crucial step towards helping those with eating disorders achieve recovery and a fullness for their lives in this new year.
Check out the following websites to learn more about the legislation surrounding mental health parity and eating disorders:
http://www.edadvocatesofohio.com/Site/State_Legislation.html
http://www.freedfoundation.org/about.php
http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org/summary-legislation.htm
Next week: What are the phases of Maudsley?
Contributions by Sarah Emerman