Using EmblemHealth for Anorexia Treatment

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According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, the mortality rate for anorexia is 12 times higher than the mortality rates for other conditions for women between the ages of 15 and 24. A serious mental illness, anorexia affects both genders and all ages. If you believe that you or someone you care about suffers from anorexia, it is crucial that you do not delay seeking help.

Anorexia should not be confused with bulimia, although both conditions are types of eating disorders. Often characterized by an obsession with losing weight and a refusal to maintain a healthy weight, anorexia may present with a variety of symptoms, including the following:

• Extreme thinness
• Brittle hair and nails
• Growth of fine hair over the body
• Low blood pressure
• Lethargy
• Anemia
• Severe constipation

While anorexia is a serious problem, there is help available. You may be able to qualify for coverage for treatment costs through your EmblemHealth insurance coverage. For help in locating a treatment center specializing in anorexia, please do not hesitate to contact us at . We are always available to speak with you.

Does EmblemHealth Cover Anorexia Nervosa Rehab Programs?

Whether or not your EmblemHealth policy covers anorexia treatment depends upon your specific policy. It should be understood that there are various types of treatment available for anorexia. Additionally, all policies are different. The first step you should take is to consult your EmblemHealth policy, in which you may be able to locate specific information regarding covered benefits. If you are not able to find the information you need or if you still have questions regarding coverage of treatment, you should contact a benefits administrator.

It is important to determine the specific type of care that may be covered by your EmblemHealth policy. For instance, both inpatient and outpatient anorexia treatment programs are available. These two types of programs vary significantly from one another, which is why it is imperative that you determine precisely which type of coverage your policy provides.

In an inpatient treatment setting, you or your loved one will reside at the facility or remain under full hospitalization. While this will take you away from your normal daily routine, an inpatient facility will provide you with the opportunity to recover in a tranquil environment without any distractions. In addition, patients receive the benefit of a supervised environment in a residential facility, hospital or clinic. Not only will you have access to medical care around the clock, but you will also have the help of caring professionals who can ensure you do not continue to engage in self-destructive behaviors that could cause your condition to worsen.

Outpatient treatment will give you the chance to maintain your regular routine and remain at home. Because you will not be at any facility, hospital or clinic 24/7, you may not have access to the same level of intensive care provided in an inpatient facility. Furthermore, you will not have the same medical supervision available in an inpatient treatment program.

If you need help finding the most appropriate anorexia treatment program for yourself or someone close to you, we are available to help at .

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

If you have determined that an inpatient facility is the most appropriate choice for you or your loved one, you will also need to determine the duration of treatment that your EmblemHealth policy will cover. The shortest amount of time that most patients attend an anorexia treatment program is about one month. In more severe cases, patients may need to attend longer. It is not uncommon for many patients to attend treatment at a residential anorexia facility for two to three months or even longer. In reviewing your covered benefits through EmblemHealth, make it a point to determine whether there are any restrictions regarding the duration of treatment.

EmblemHealth Coverage for Anorexia Dual Diagnosis

Individuals who are suffering from anorexia may sometimes have other disorders. Some of the most common disorders that coexist with anorexia include the following:

• Substance abuse
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Binge-eating disorder

If you believe that you or your family member may also suffer from one of these conditions, it is important to find a facility that offers dual diagnosis treatment. Bear in mind that in some instances, you may not even be aware that you have, or your loved one has, another condition. In a dual diagnosis facility, the medical staff has experience and training in detecting the presence of other disorders.

In the event that you or your family member is suffering from comorbid disorders, it will be important for those disorders to be treated at the same time as the anorexia. Without proper treatment, other disorders could delay and even prevent your loved one from successfully recovering from anorexia.

Specialty Anorexia Treatment Treatments Using EmblemHealth

The availability of specialty anorexia treatment is another consideration when reviewing your EmblemHealth insurance policy. There are many different types of rehab programs and facilities available, including those that specialize in substance abuse. Anorexia requires a specialized approach to treatment for the most optimal outcome.

For instance, it is imperative that specialized nutritional counseling be provided to patients undergoing treatment for anorexia. In many instances, when patients first enter an eating disorder treatment program, they are severely emaciated. This can result in a number of health problems, including dehydration and vitamin deficiencies. Due to the critical impact such issues can have on your overall health, they will need to be addressed first. This is often accomplished with customized meal plans designed by a nutritionist who is trained in treating eating disorders.

Psychological counseling and therapy are also typically provided as part of a comprehensive anorexia treatment program. For full recovery to take place, you will need to learn how to identify the triggers that led to the development of your eating disorder and learn how to avoid or deal with those triggers once you leave the facility. Both individual and group therapy may be used for accomplishing these goals. In the event that you are also suffering from other disorders, such as anxiety or depression, medications may be necessary as part of your treatment plan.

According to Ohio State University, almost 4 percent of women suffer from anorexia at least once during their lifetime. Assistance is available. For help in locating a rehab facility offering specialized anorexia treatment, please do not hesitate to contact us at . We are available 24/7 to assist you in finding help in treating eating disorder for you or your loved one.

How to Cover What Insurance Doesn’t Pay For

In some cases, insurance companies may have restrictions regarding the type of treatment that is covered and the duration of treatment. If you find that your EmblemHealth policy does not cover all the treatment necessary for you or your loved one, there are various other resources that can help you with payment planning. For example, you may be able to finance the cost of your eating disorder treatment through the facility.

Verify Insurance Coverage and Find the Best Treatment Programs

While verifying your insurance coverage by using EmblemHealth for eating disorder treatment is an important step in the journey to recovering from anorexia, it is only the first step. It is also imperative that you focus on finding the most appropriate treatment facility.

There are many factors that must be considered in selecting an anorexia treatment facility that will provide you or your family member with the most optimal opportunity for recovery. Locating a facility that specializes in anorexia treatment, offers dual diagnosis, and is staffed with experienced, caring professionals will best provide you with the resources you need to get well. It is possible to overcome anorexia and learn how to develop a healthy relationship with food once again. Call us at for more information on EmblemHealth anorexia treatment coverage.