HealthSmart Eating Disorder Coverage

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While going on a diet to lose weight can be a smart health decision if you are overweight, dieting can sometimes lead to an eating disorder. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders reports that 35 percent of normal dieters will eventually progress to some form of pathological dieting. Additionally, as many as 25 percent will eventually develop an eating disorder.

Eating disorders include both anorexia and bulimia. Both disorders can be serious and become more dangerous over time. Individuals suffering from eating disorders may display a wide array of symptoms, including:

• Severe emaciation
• Dehydration
• Chronic constipation
• Dry or brittle nails and hair
• Chronic sore throat
• Paleness

While many people with an eating disorder are overly thin, an individual with binge eating disorder may be overweight or even obese.

Using HealthSmart for Eating Disorder Treatment

If you believe that someone you care about may be suffering from an eating disorder, it is important to seek help as quickly as possible. A specialized eating disorder program can help you or your loved one to recover. If you have HealthSmart coverage, you may find that your policy will cover part or all of your treatment.

For help locating a rehab program specializing in eating disorders, please call us at . We are always happy to take your call and answer any questions you have.

Does HealthSmart Cover Eating Disorders Rehab Programs?

To determine whether or not your HealthSmart plan will pay for eating disorder treatment, you may consider reviewing your specific policy. Keep in mind that policies vary among insurance companies. To obtain further information regarding covered benefits, you may wish to contact a benefits administrator.

Keep in mind that in determining your covered benefits, it is important to distinguish between the various types of eating disorder treatments that may be covered. You will find that there are different types of facilities available, and it will be important to determine the type of facility that your HealthSmart plan will cover.

For instance, you will need to determine whether your plan will cover inpatient as well as outpatient facilities. An inpatient treatment program is significantly different from an outpatient program in that you will live at the facility throughout the entire treatment period. The primary reason for residing at an inpatient facility is to ensure that you receive the supervision and intensive care you need to achieve a full recovery from your eating disorder.

In an outpatient program, you will not reside at any facility but will instead return to one on a regular basis in order to receive treatment. Treatments may last only a short while or may last for several hours per day. Although the thought of being able to remain at home can seem appealing, it should be kept in mind that an outpatient facility will often not be able to provide the same services as an inpatient facility.

Inpatient Treatment Length HealthSmart Will Cover (28-30, 60, 90+ Day)

Once you have determined whether your HealthSmart plan will cover an inpatient program, you will then need to consider the length of the program. Various facilities provide treatment programs of varying durations. You will typically discover that the shortest length program available is about a month. In many instances, however, patients receiving treatment for an eating disorder may require even longer periods of treatment. The precise length of treatment that you or your family member may need will vary based on many factors. Among the most important of those factors is your current condition.

It is not unusual for many patients entering a treatment facility for an eating disorder to suffer from extreme thinness. This is often the first issue that must be addressed. Only when your urgent medical needs have been addressed can you begin making progress toward recovery.

HealthSmart Coverage for Eating Disorders With Dual Diagnosis

Many times, when individuals with an eating disorder enter treatment, they are not even aware that they may also be suffering from another disorder. In some cases, one disorder leads to another. For example, if your family member suffers from depression, that may contribute to developing an eating disorder. The reverse can also be true. Substance abuse can also coincide with eating disorders. For this reason, it is imperative to ensure that you choose a rehabilitation program that offers dual diagnosis care.

Identifying and then treating each disorder is crucial to a successful recovery. Without ensuring that all disorders have been diagnosed and treated properly, there is a chance that once your family member leaves the treatment facility, he/she will relapse.

If you need assistance in finding help in treating eating disorder, we are happy to help you. Please do not hesitate to contact us at . It is truly never too late to get the help you need to overcome an eating disorder.

Specialty Eating Disorder Treatments Using HealthSmart

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health reports that as much as half of the population may be acquainted with someone who is suffering from an eating disorder. Getting the proper treatment is essential to helping your family member. A treatment facility that specializes in eating disorders can provide your loved one with the help he/she needs to recover in a supportive and caring environment.

One of the first things to look for in choosing a HealthSmart covered facility that specializes in eating disorders is the presence of a nutritional counseling program. It may be necessary for you to have access to customized plans to help you return to a normal weight. Additionally, it will be important to ensure that the program offers access to psychological counseling.

Eating disorders are considered to be mental illnesses. As such, it is imperative that you learn to identify the thought processes that may have led to your eating disorder. Many patients with an eating disorder suffer from a distorted body image and low self-esteem. Counseling and therapy can help you to overcome the negative thoughts that have plagued you in the past. Depending upon whether or not you also suffer from other disorders, such as depression, you may also need access to medications to assist your recovery.

Specialized eating disorder treatment programs may also provide a variety of programs that are designed to assist patients with learning how to cope with negative emotions and stress, both of which can sometimes lead to the development of an eating disorder. Such services may include:

• Yoga
• Aqua therapy
• Equine therapy
• Music/art therapy
• Meditation
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy

How to Cover What Insurance Doesn’t Pay For

Depending upon your level of coverage, your insurance may not pay for all of the treatment that you or your loved one needs. If that is the case, you should understand that it is still possible to receive the treatment needed. There are other resources available, including the possibility of financing the cost of treatment at some facilities.

A successful recovery is too important to delay. If you need help in finding a treatment facility that will meet your needs, please call us today at . Our caring and experienced staff members can help you find a treatment program.

Verify Insurance Coverage and Find the Best Treatment Programs

While it is important to verify your level of insurance coverage, it is also important to select a treatment program that will be most appropriate for you or your loved one. Each patient suffering from an eating disorder has unique needs. In order to provide yourself or your loved one with the best chance for recovery, it is imperative that you choose an eating disorder program that will meet your needs. With professional help, it is entirely possible to overcome an eating disorder and restore your health once again. Call for more information.