Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Eating Disorder Coverage

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Blue Cross Blue Shield is by far the most recognizable name in health insurance, serving millions of patients around the country. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association insurance is accepted by 92 percent of doctors and specialists, making it easy to get affordable care wherever you live in the United States.

Nearly all major health care providers offer some form of coverage for mental health services. While it was once believed that mental health issues were only psychological problems, doctors and researchers now understand that the health of the mind and the body are interdependent. It is almost impossible to have a healthy body when you exhibit the damaging behavior patterns present in an eating disorder.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association presides over the 37 independently owned Blue Cross Blue Shield companies around the country. Each company works on a local basis, giving Blue Cross Blue Shield customers the benefits of both a large company and a small business. Your local company understands and can work with the providers in your surrounding area to get you the best possible care, while the Association is able to keep costs low thanks to its structure and oversight.

Before getting treatment approval for an eating disorder, you should schedule an assessment with your primary care physician. Although a professional consultation is necessary to officially diagnose an eating disorder, there are some common signs and symptoms you can look out for, including:

• Refusal to eat
• Obsessive calorie counting
• Secretive eating habits
• Periods of binging
• Preoccupation with weight

Does Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Cover Eating Disorder Rehab Programs?

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association covers every major physical and mental health issue. Most plans offer 12 therapy sessions per calendar year, unless additional treatment is recommended by a health care provider. In the case of an eating disorder, your health care provider may recommend a total rehabilitation program, and the insurance company will provide coverage accordingly. While individual coverage may vary, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association has an exemplary reputation when it comes to providing coverage for a variety of mental health issues, including but not limited to eating disorders.

If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, call us at . Our toll-free helpline is available 24/7; we can provide you with the information you need to find help in treating eating disorder.

Some of the most common eating disorders include:

• Anorexia
• Bulimia
• Compulsive overeating
• Binge eating disorder

Inpatient Treatment Length Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Will Cover (28-30, 60, 90+ Day)

The most common timeframe for inpatient treatment for someone with an eating disorder is one month. This generally provides enough time for the patient to learn new and healthier habits and coping skills, so he/she can continue treatment at home. In more extreme cases, treatment durations of two or three months may be necessary. Most insurance plans won’t cover long-term treatment stays of more than 90 days, but coverage varies depending on the severity of the individual situation and the insurance plan.

Inpatient treatment generally takes place at a residential facility with programs designed specifically for eating disorder management and care. Major health care providers, like the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, typically cover these facilities. To qualify for inpatient treatment of an eating disorder, Blue Cross Blue Shield lays out some basic requirements. The disorder must first present serious symptoms that interfere with the patient’s daily life. Such symptoms require structured intervention for you to resume normal functioning. Next, your physician must provide thorough documentation describing why outpatient treatment is insufficient. Finally, you must prove to be capable of benefitting from the experience of inpatient therapy.

While Anthem does not provide a set limit for the duration of inpatient treatment it will cover, it does provide periodic case assessments to determine whether the treatment is working. If the treatment proves effective, further coverage is warranted. If not, other treatment options are assessed for the benefit of the patient. For more information on standard lengths of stay for inpatient treatment facilities, call our helpline at today.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Coverage for Eating Disorders With Dual Diagnosis

Eating disorders don’t occur in a vacuum, and most individuals suffering from an eating disorder are also suffering from a secondary condition. The secondary disorder is often, but not always, another eating disorder or other mental illness. Depression and anxiety are two of the most common comorbid conditions, but there are many comorbid potentialities. For instance, studies show that as many as 24 percent of bipolar patients also have an eating disorder.

Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance provides such comprehensive coverage for a variety of medical issues, so it is one of the easiest companies to obtain dual-diagnosis coverage through. Your primary care provider can diagnose any comorbid disorders and give advice on treatments. The presence of a comorbid condition such as depression is one of the most common reasons for failed eating disorder treatment, so most insurance companies are more than happy to help make treatments more efficient by addressing every disorder that could impede patient progress.

Specialty Eating Disorder Treatments Using Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

In some cases, specialty treatment options may be preferable to more traditional forms of eating disorder treatment. 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. Some of the most commonly covered forms of specialty treatment include group therapy sessions, art therapy and chiropractic services. Most insurance companies understand that mental health is a holistic matter, and engaging the body and mind in therapeutic activities goes a long way toward aiding recovery and changing your habits.

How to Cover What Insurance Doesn’t Pay For

When your Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association insurance policy doesn’t cover every form of treatment you would like, there are still other options available. Many hospitals and inpatient programs offer payment plans for people who can’t afford to pay any additional out-of-pocket expenses. Although you may pay more in the long-term as interest accrues, these plans are a great way to get the care you need without overdrawing your bank account. Another option is to apply for financial aid and other forms of charitable assistance. Many doctors will take a certain amount of uninsured or underinsured patients per year, so it never hurts to ask.

Another option is to request a revised consideration from your insurance provider. Your physician can help you document why a certain treatment is genuinely necessary for your recovery. While there is still no guarantee that the insurance company will cover your treatment, many claims that are rejected at first get approved upon subsequent appeals. Maintaining a positive relationship with your insurance company involves regular communication and documentation of your medical concerns. Taking these steps can help you when it comes to using Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association for eating disorder treatment to honor your policy and provide you with the coverage you need to get better.

Verify Insurance Coverage and Find the Best Treatment Programs

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is one of the most well-known names in the world of health care. Eating disorders are serious issues that affect millions of people each year, so it’s no surprise that the largest insurance companies offer comprehensive care and support to their customers who suffer from eating disorders.

If you or a loved one are experiencing the symptoms commonly associated with an eating disorder, consider contacting your local Blue Cross Blue Shield office to find out which forms of treatment are covered under your plan. For more help finding the best treatment programs in your area, call our toll-free helpline at . We are available 24/7 to take your call and give you information on verifying coverage for your Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association insurance policy.