Using EmblemHealth for Eating Disorder Treatment

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If you are one of the millions of Americans currently suffering from an eating disorder, you may be able to use your EmblemHealth insurance policy to pay for your eating disorder treatment. First, however, you need to determine if you or your loved one has an eating disorder. The three most common eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. Your symptoms may vary depending upon which type of eating disorder you have.

If you have anorexia, you may refuse to eat and ignore hunger signs. Those with anorexia tend to have a distorted image of their body and may feel depressed as well as withdrawn from friends and family members. Many people with anorexia also exhibit physical symptoms, such as a thin appearance, the growth of downy hair all over the body and low blood pressure. If you have anorexia, you may frequently feel cold, have trouble sleeping and feel irritable for no reason.

Bulimia is characterized by binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting or another form of purging. Symptoms may include damaged hands, fingers or teeth. Some people who suffer from bulimia take laxatives excessively and go to the bathroom frequently around meal times. Others may abuse drugs or alcohol in addition to their bulimia.

Those who struggle with binge eating frequently eat alone and feel embarrassed about how much food they eat. Sufferers will typically eat faster during an episode of binge eating, and most feel powerless to resist these episodes.

If you think that you are exhibiting any of these symptoms, you may have an eating disorder. It is never too late to get help, and our representatives can help you find the treatment you need. Just call to get help that is personalized for your needs.

Will EmblemHealth Cover Eating Disorder Treatment?

A variety of different EmblemHealth insurance coverage plans are available, and depending on the plan you have, you may be able to use your coverage to pay for treatment for your eating disorder. According to EmblemHealth, the company offers individual, family and group plans. EmblemHealth also oversees the Medicaid and Child Health Plus plans in several states as well as a few other types of state-sponsored insurance coverage. If you want to know exactly what your policy covers, contact your EmblemHealth insurance agent or review the terms of your policy. If you have an EmblemHealth group plan through your employer, you may be able to get answers from your company’s human resources department.

Your coverage will vary based on the type of plan you have. It may also be dependent on the type of care you need and the severity of your symptoms. Eating disorders can lead to very serious health problems, and if you experience any of these health problems, you may have to use your EmblemHealth policy to pay for time in a hospital.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the most serious health issues you may experience due to an eating disorder are:

• Heart irregularities and problems
• Organ failure
• Bone damage
• Issues with or damage to your digestive tract
• Kidney damage
• Tooth decay
• Changes in menstruation
• Abnormally high or low blood pressure
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts or feelings

If you have any of these issues, contact a doctor now. Even if your eating disorder is not that severe yet, you need to get help before the condition gets any worse. Regardless of the severity of your eating disorder, we have trained representatives standing by 24/7 to help you.

To get help, you simply need to pick up the phone and call . We will assist you find help in treating eating disorder that is right for you.

How Much Will Eating Disorder Treatment Cost?

Eating disorder treatment can vary drastically in price. Some patients who suffer from an eating disorder are able to get free treatment. Others pay substantial amounts to get help. The final cost of your treatment will depend upon several factors, including:

• Where you get treatment
• The type of treatment
• How much your insurance covers
• Whether or not you qualify for any state or county programs
• The severity of your eating disorder
• The length of your treatment

Many different types of treatment can be effective for eating disorders, and in most cases, you will be given more than one type of treatment. By taking a multipronged approach to your care, your health care providers can ensure more effective treatment.

Some of the treatment options that you may receive while you are getting help for your eating disorder include therapy, medication, nutrition education and weight restoration. In each of these categories, you will have a few different options. For instance, you might participate in cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, family therapy or a combination of all of these.

Weight restoration is critical for people who have lost an unhealthy amount of weight. You will work alongside a nutritionist or doctor who will help you to regain some of the weight that you have lost. If you struggle with binge eating, your weight restoration plan may focus on helping you lose weight. For many patients, weight restoration can be one of the hardest parts of treatment. If you are getting counseling in conjunction with weight restoration treatment, your counseling can address some of the issues that you encounter while trying to gain or lose weight.

Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment vs. Outpatient Services

You can get your treatment at an inpatient or outpatient facility. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, inpatient care is the best option for anyone who has a serious eating disorder. If your eating disorder has led to serious physical complications such as heart problems, organ failure or kidney damage, you may want to look into inpatient care.

You can get inpatient care from a hospital or clinic that specializes in eating disorders. If you get inpatient care, you will eat, sleep and live at the same facility where you get your treatment. This allows you to take a real break from your life and truly focus on recovering. Some facilities offer a range of amenities, from free yoga and meditation training to world-class doctors and cutting-edge medical care.

If you cannot afford to take a break from your regular life, outpatient care may be the best option. Outpatient care can vary drastically depending on your unique needs. For example, you may opt to attend only one therapy session once a week, or you can choose something more comprehensive. Intensive outpatient programs are also available; these require you to spend several hours per day working on recovering from your eating disorder. During this time, you may visit a clinic or a hospital for education and counseling during the morning or evening, but when the sessions are over, you can return home.

Dual Diagnosis Eating Disorder Therapy

Many people who have eating disorders also suffer from other mental health conditions. Your dual diagnosis could a substance abuse issue along with your eating disorder. For your treatment to be truly effective, it needs to address all of your issues, not just one or two of them.

Ideally, you should have an intake session before you choose inpatient or outpatient care and start your treatment. During this session, your doctor or counselor should assess you for any concurrent mental health issues. It is critical that your treatment plan deals with all your issues. If you suffer from anxiety or depression, your healthcare providers may use a blend of medication and therapy to help you. Your health care provider can help you to draft a plan that meets your individual needs.

Insurance vs. Private Pay for Eating Disorder Options

If your insurance policy is very comprehensive, it may cover all your treatment. Some insurance policies cover long stays at eating disorder treatment facilities. However, other insurance companies only cover a few therapy sessions or will not cover care at all. If your insurance policy does not cover your eating disorder treatment or if it only covers a portion of your treatment, you may want to explore alternative financing options.

Many treatment facilities offer payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of your care over several months or even years. If you have a relatively low income, you may be able to benefit from a sliding-scale program that assigns you a fee based on your income. The lower your income is, the lower your treatment price will be. Some state and county programs may also be available to help you offset the cost of your care. These programs vary based on your location and needs, and they may cover anything from group counseling to hospital stays.

Regardless of your budget and how much you can afford to pay, you cannot afford to put off treatment. Eating disorders can cause serious irreversible health issues. By investing in treatment now, you can save your life or the life of someone you love.

All you need to do to get help is pick up the phone and call us at . Our trained representatives are standing by to help you 24/7. When you call, we will match you to a treatment plan that meets your needs and budget.