Using COBRA for Eating Disorder Treatment

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Millions of people suffer from eating disorders, according to the National Eating Disorder Association, and these serious disorders can take many different forms. Some people may suffer from anorexia or bulimia, while others may suffer from binge eating disorder. Each disorder has its own set of symptoms.

Someone who suffers from anorexia may exhibit any of the following symptoms:

• Refusing to eat
• Lying about being hungry
• Negative or distorted self-image
• Depression
• Weight loss
• Sleeping trouble
• Menstrual irregularities
• Intestinal pain or difficulties
• Dry skin
• Feeling cold

Those with bulimia may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Excessive eating, even to the point of feeling pain
• Self-induced vomiting
• Using laxatives excessively
• Exercising all the time
• Obsession with body size and shape
• Damage to the teeth and gums
• Sores on the knuckles or hands

Binge eaters may feel like their eating is out of control. They often like to eat alone, and they typically eat faster when they are binging. If you suffer from binge eating disorder, you may also feel depressed about your body and embarrassed about how much you eat. It is important to note that these symptoms can vary from individual to individual, and if you suspect that you or someone you love has an eating disorder, you may want to get a second opinion from a health care professional.

If you exhibit any of the symptoms listed above, you may have an eating disorder. Keep in mind that you are not alone, and it is never too late to get help. Many people use their insurance to cover treatment for an eating disorder, and if you have COBRA insurance coverage, you may be able to use your COBRA policy for your treatment.

If you have questions about your treatment options or about what type of treatment COBRA covers, simply pick up the phone and call us. Our trained representatives are standing by 24/7 to answer your questions at . We will assist you in finding help in treating eating disorder problems.

Will COBRA Cover Eating Disorder Treatment?

COBRA isn’t an insurance company, but rather a law that allows employees to continue their existing health care coverage for a period of time after they leave their job. Your COBRA coverage depends on the particular policy you had through your employer. According to COBRA’s website, COBRA is affiliated with insurance companies such as Blue Cross, United Health, Medica and many others on public and private exchanges. To find out for certain what your particular policy covers, you may need to contact your insurance agent. If you have COBRA through your employer, your human resources representative may be able to answer your questions.

In some cases, your coverage depends on the type of care you get. If you become seriously ill and have to be hospitalized as a result of your eating disorder, you may be able to use your coverage to pay for your hospitalization. If you have depression or anxiety in addition to your eating disorder, your insurance may cover your time with a therapist.

Your coverage is also dependent on the type of plan you have. If you only have catastrophic coverage through COBRA, your policy may not cover your treatment. However, if you have a comprehensive insurance plan, your policy could cover everything from counseling and nutrition classes to overnight stays at a treatment facility.

How Much Will Eating Disorder Treatment Cost?

Treatment can carry a variety of price tags. If you qualify for government assistance or have a relatively low income, you may be able to get free or low-cost treatment. If you prefer to spend several months at a luxury treatment facility, you may have to pay tens of thousands of dollars for treatment.

When you call our representatives, we can help match you with a treatment facility that is right for your needs and your budget. Many of the people who call have hardly any resources to pay for treatment, but for many others, cost is not a concern. Regardless of where you fall on that spectrum, pick up the phone and call us at to get help today.

Many types of treatment for eating disorders are available, and the type of treatment you get also has a big impact on the total cost of your treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following types of treatment can help those who suffer from eating disorders:

• Psychotherapy
• Weight restoration
• Nutrition education
• Hospitalization
• Medication

Psychotherapy can include several different types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular option that helps people learn how to deal with stress without reverting to their eating disorders. It can also help you with any underlying mental health issues that may be affecting your eating disorder. In group therapy, you can meet with other people who suffer from eating disorders and explore solutions together. Finally, family therapy gets the whole family involved. It can be very useful for teens who suffer from eating disorders, as their parents can learn how to help them make nutritious choices. Your eating disorder treatment may involve multiple types of therapy.

If you have lost an unhealthy amount of weight because of your eating disorder, you may have to work with a weight restoration specialist. This nutritionist can help you get your weight back to a healthy level and teach you about balanced eating. If you struggle with binge eating, your weight restoration program may focus on weight loss instead of weight gain.

If your eating disorder is left untreated, it can have a massive effect on your overall health. You could experience serious problems ranging from depression and suicidal thoughts to heart problems and organ failure. If your eating disorder is this severe, you may have to be hospitalized. If you are hospitalized, your COBRA coverage is likely to kick in; however, it is important to note that different insurance companies have different policies regarding hospital stays. For instance, your coverage may be more likely to cover you if you are hospitalized for physical complications than for mental complications.

The cost of medication also factors into the cost of treatment for eating disorders. Medication cannot cure an eating disorder, but it can be used to curb feelings of depression or anxiety that may be associated with your disorder. Medication can also help to curb hunger in binge eaters. If your insurance does not cover medication, this will make the cost of your treatment a bit more expensive.

Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment vs. Outpatient Services

Inpatient treatment means that you are hospitalized or live at a clinic while you are getting treatment. If you go to counseling and nutrition meetings at a clinic while you continue to live at home, that is outpatient treatment. You may also receive intensive outpatient treatment in which you live at home but attend treatment for a significant amount of time every day or week.

The main benefit of outpatient care is that you can continue living your life as you get treatment. You can keep your job, take care of your family and attend school. For many people, this is the easiest option. It can also be more affordable than some inpatient treatment programs.

However, inpatient care offers many benefits that outpatient care does not, and if your eating disorder is severe, you should consider getting help from an inpatient facility. You can find a broader range of treatment options at most inpatient facilities. Many luxury inpatient facilities even offer stunning views and amazing amenities. Whether you require a gym for working out or a private and luxurious suite, you can find it all at a luxury inpatient facility.

If you are unsure of which type of treatment is right for you, call us today at . Our representatives can help you understand your treatment options and find the treatment facility that is right for your needs.

Dual Diagnosis Eating Disorder Therapy

When you arrange your treatment, keep in mind that you or your loved one may have both an eating disorder and another issue. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating disorders are commonly associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you have one of these mental health issues, you need to get treatment for it in conjunction with your eating disorder. If you only treat one issue, it may be harder to recover.

Regardless of the type of treatment program you choose, you will probably have an intake session early in your treatment. During the intake session, the counselor or eating disorder specialist will create a comprehensive picture of your treatment needs and create a treatment plan for you. The type of therapy, medication and nutrition classes involved in your treatment will depend upon your individual needs.

Insurance vs. Private Pay for Eating Disorder Options

If your insurance covers your eating disorder treatment, you may be able to get all of the treatment you need without paying any money out of pocket. If your insurance only covers part of your treatment, you will need to pay privately for the rest. Unfortunately, your insurance company may not pay for your treatment in many cases.

If that happens, you may be able to find financing or set up a payment plan with the facility in order to keep the costs manageable. Keep in mind that eating disorders can be incredibly serious. The cost of treatment is an investment into your future health, and it may even save your life.

If you do not have enough money to cover the cost of treatment, you may have access to state or local programs that can help you. Free counseling centers are often available for people who are in need. Even inpatient care can be obtained for a reduced fee in some cases. Many facilities offer sliding scale payment systems, meaning that your fee is based on your income level. Other facilities offer credit plans or payment plans.

If you are ready to get help, the time is now. Simply pick up the phone and call us at . We are standing by 24/7 to help you.