Using Group and Pensions Administrators for Eating Disorder Treatment

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Group and Pensions Administrators (GPA) is the largest privately owned insurance company operating in the southwestern region of the United States. The company offers a variety of services to its policyholders for both physical and mental health issues. As a GPA customer, you will have access to some of the most comprehensive eating disorder treatment coverage on the health care market.

Group and Pensions Administrators Coverage for Eating Disorders

Eating disorders affect more than 24 million Americans each year. Eating disorders typically manifest in adolescence, and they are far more common in women than men, but they can affect anyone at any point in life. Early intervention is paramount when treating an eating disorder. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia can have dire health effects, such as increased risk of various cancers, low body weight and starvation. If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of an eating disorder, call to speak with one of our representatives about the eating disorder treatment options and facilities in your area.

Even if you have been dealing with your eating disorder for a long time, there are treatment options that will work for you to create positive change. GPA makes the latest mental health and behavioral wellness treatments and providers accessible to all in the Southwest. GPA providers are some of the best in the country, and the company offers its customers the chance to work with specialists in a variety of fields, providing the most comprehensive care possible. Whatever stage you are at in the recovery process, a GPA health plan can work for your needs and budget.

Will Group and Pensions Administrators Cover Eating Disorder Treatment?

Group and Pensions Administrators insurance plan offers a HealthWatch program that provides behavioral guidance to patients and health care providers, helping them stay on top of various health concerns. Eating disorders are major issues that affect every area of your health, so it is generally easy to get coverage through Group and Pensions Administrators insurance. It is necessary to work with your physician on all treatment options to ensure that your program will be covered. Rehabilitation clinics are one of the more well-respected forms of treatment for all eating disorders, and it is relatively easy to find an in-network provider in your region since the GPA network is so expansive.

Eating disorder treatment begins with receiving an official diagnosis from a licensed health care provider. Many people go years without receiving a diagnosis because they believe they can solve their problem on their own or that their eating disorder will resolve itself when they reach an ideal weight. Others fail to recognize that they have an eating disorder at all until it becomes apparent to those around them. Some of the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder that you should be aware of include:

• Sudden change in weight
• Excessive eating
• Secretive eating habits
• Preoccupation with weight
• Obsession with calories

An eating disorder shifts your perspective of food from a survival necessity to an adversary. If you spend a significant amount of time focusing on the caloric content of your meals, you may have an unhealthy relationship with food and be prone to the behaviors that cause an eating disorder. It is important to remember that not all extreme diets are the result of an eating disorder, but they could be major warning signs.

Eating disorders are caused by many factors, including neurochemistry, heredity and environmental circumstances. It is not uncommon for someone to go through periods of remission without actually experiencing true, long-term recovery from the eating disorder. If you have tried and failed to overcome your destructive eating habits, call our toll-free helpline at . We are available 24/7 to help you connect with the resources you need to find and pay for life-saving treatment options.

How Much Will Eating Disorder Treatment Cost?

Eating disorder treatment can be quite expensive, especially if you require long-term care. Treatment costs can amount to as much as $100,000, although the final amount depends largely upon the level and length of treatment you need and your chosen providers. Luxury treatment facilities charge a higher rate due to the various amenities they offer. Many treatment centers operate on a much more basic scale for a significantly lower cost.

The most expensive aspect of eating disorder treatment is inpatient care. Inpatient care is generally performed at a designated eating disorder treatment clinic, so the higher cost helps pay for the larger space and additional resources.

Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment vs. Outpatient Services

The biggest difference between inpatient and outpatient services is that inpatient services provide access to around-the-clock care in a dedicated facility. Stress is one of the leading factors that worsen eating disorders, so removing yourself from the stresses of your daily environment can help facilitate the healing process. It is generally necessary to go through a radical shift to break yourself of the damaging behavioral patterns and outlooks that become intertwined with the presence of an eating disorder. Inpatient centers allow patients to recuperate in an environment where triggering factors are limited.

Outpatient services are considerably more affordable than inpatient services, although they provide the same basic functions. Outpatient treatment generally consists of one or more counseling sessions each week, allowing you to develop a relationship of trust with your chosen counselor or psychologist. You will be able to discuss the origins of your disorder, and your physician will give you advice on how to exercise the strategies you learn in treatment.

Another major benefit of inpatient treatment centers is being surrounded by others who are going through the same experience as you. Friends and family may try to be understanding of your condition, but it is difficult for those who haven’t personally dealt with an eating disorder to understand the complex nature of an eating disorder. At an eating disorder clinic, you will be able to interact with others who have your disorder and can relate to the difficulties you are experiencing at each stage of the recovery process. From sharing advice on overcoming the psychological issues you may have about eating to building long-term relationships and a strong support network, you will reap benefits from inpatient treatment that will sustain you long after you return home.

Dual Diagnosis Eating Disorder Therapy

Eating disorders are commonly associated with other serious physical and mental health conditions. Because eating disorders involve a preoccupation with weight, many patients with a disorder reach unhealthily low body fat percentages, increasing their risk for a variety of other problems. Malnutrition is a major hallmark of a severe eating disorder, and a lack of proper nutrients alone can lead to numerous conditions. It is important to work with your doctor to establish a nutritional program you can manage on your own if you are going through outpatient care. Even if you had no other conditions prior to the onset of your eating disorder, it is not uncommon to develop multiple mental and physical health issues related to the disorder.

As many as 50 percent of people with an eating disorder also report clinical depression. Clinical depression is more than just temporary sadness. The disorder is persistent and can manifest in different ways, with symptoms varying due to individual personality and circumstances. Depression can come as the result of the helplessness you may feel because of your eating disorder, or it can exist alongside the eating disorder. Any condition that occurs in the presence of another major condition is known as a comorbid condition. Depression and anxiety are often referred to as secondary conditions when they occur alongside an eating disorder. It is important to remember that just because something is a secondary condition does not mean that it is unimportant. Mental health affects how you feel physically, and it can be difficult to find the motivation and mental clarity to work through your eating disorder treatment plan if you are overcome with feelings of hopelessness or anxiety.

Fortunately, Group and Pensions Administrators insurance offers comprehensive coverage for a variety of physical and mental conditions. The company understands the interdependent nature of physical and mental illness and provides numerous preventative care options and treatment resources.

If you believe you have a secondary condition alongside your eating disorder, call today. We would be happy to help you learn more about eating disorder treatment as well as care for any co-occurring conditions.

Insurance vs. Private Pay for Eating Disorder Options

Paying for eating disorder treatment out of pocket can be extremely expensive, and many people wait to seek treatment because they are worried about the financial cost. Insurance companies are often cautious about which treatments they will cover. It is sometimes necessary to appeal a rejected treatment decision to ensure you have access to the care you need in a timely fashion. Your physician can help expedite the appeal process by contacting your GPA representative and explaining the situation to them. A physician’s medical opinion carries significant weight, so a doctor’s note of explanation along with your appeal stands a good chance of approval.

Paying for health care without insurance can result in a significant amount of debt, especially where inpatient treatments are concerned. Specialty treatments tend to cost even more, so it is important to explore all your financing options. Speak with your insurance company, and find out what they recommend when it comes to paying for services they don’t cover. Sometimes, a coverage decision depends on the area in which your chosen treatment facility is located, so find out whether moving to a different treatment center would help.

If you or a loved one is dealing with an eating disorder like anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder, call our toll-free helpline at . Our knowledgeable and friendly representatives are available every day to take your call and help you take the first step to a life of wellness. An eating disorder can drain your resources emotionally and financially, and seeking treatment alone can seem like an overwhelming challenge. Between high costs for medical care and a dizzying array of treatment options, having someone on your side who can help you sort through the information and make a positive and proactive decision about your health care can make things a little easier.