Using Magellan Health Services for Eating Disorder Treatment

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Magellan Health Services is a health care management organization that collaborates with medical facilities, health care providers and government agencies to provide medical care, behavioral health care and pharmaceutical services to its members. Magellan’s goal is to make high-quality health care affordable to anyone who is ready to improve his/her overall quality of life. Magellan Health Services partners with a variety of health care facilities throughout the United States. Through Magellan, you can receive treatment for a variety of ailments, including eating disorders.

According to the South Carolina Health Department, eating disorders affect approximately 8 million Americans, both male and female. Eating disorders are classified as psychological and medical illnesses that are treatable. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Anorexia is a starvation disease that stems from an intense fear of gaining weight. Bulimia is a disorder classified by continuous cycles of binging and purging — mostly through self-induced vomiting or the extreme use of laxatives. Because eating disorders are so common, many treatment centers and medical facilities throughout the country treat them. Magellan Health Services is an organization that can help you receive the care you need if you suffer from an eating disorder.

Using Magellan Health Services for Eating Disorder Treatment

Magellan Health Services insurance coverage offers a wide variety of services to its members. The organization works very closely with members and their families in order to develop solutions that will empower patients while helping them heal. Because eating disorders require both medical and mental health intervention, you can expect to receive physical and psychological help in order to overcome your eating disorder. Your first step is to make an appointment with a provider or health care facility in Magellan’s health care network.

Primary care providers generally refer patients to specialists for a diagnosis. During your initial evaluation, the specialist will look for multiple symptoms in order to determine whether or not you qualify for eating disorder treatment. Some of these symptoms include:

• Extreme weight loss
• Weakness
• Pale skin
• Confusion
• Distorted body image
• Dry mouth
• Malnutrition
• Dehydration

If you qualify for eating disorder treatment, your Magellan Health Services provider can let you know the specific type of treatment that’s available. Magellan takes pride in offering high-quality services that low-income individuals normally would not be able to afford. Because of this, you’ll have access to some of the best professionals in the industry, and they can help you overcome your eating disorder and regain control of your life.

If you need to speak to someone about getting help in treating eating disorder today, don’t hesitate to give us a call at . We have trained professionals available 24/7 to speak to you.

Will Magellan Health Services Cover Eating Disorder Treatment?

Magellan Health Services does cover eating disorder treatment, but you must be approved to receive these services. You also must have the right type of coverage through Magellan. If you have a Magellan LifeResources policy, you will be approved to receive eating disorder treatment through the organization if deemed eligible by your provider. However, if you do not have a LifeResources policy, you will not be eligible to receive eating disorder treatment or treatment for any type of substance abuse.

Through Magellan Health Services, you can still receive treatment for problems or symptoms of eating disorder even if you have limited coverage. You might also be eligible to receive psychological counseling in order to deal with the underlying causes of your eating disorder. It is best to call Magellan’s customer service department to find out exactly which services you’re eligible for. If you do have a LifeResources policy, most of the services you need will be covered if you choose Magellan’s facilities and providers.

How Much Will Eating Disorder Treatment Cost?

According to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, inpatient treatment costs for eating disorders average around $30,000 per month. Many factors, however, will determine the cost of your eating disorder treatment. If you choose a full-service rehabilitation center with a host of amenities, you can expect to pay tens of thousands of dollars for treatment. Many of the services offered at upscale facilities will not be covered by Magellan Health Services. However, Magellan will cover any services deemed medically necessary.

If you choose a Magellan facility and have a LifeResources policy, your overall cost will be low. Depending on your income, you might be able to receive eating disorder treatment for free. If you need help overcoming your eating disorder right away and money is a factor for you, your best bet would be to choose a Magellan facility since you’ll get everything you need at little to no cost.

Magellan Health Services will cover up to 28 days of treatment each year at a specialized facility. If you need to stay longer or require outpatient services for your eating disorder after 28 days, you will incur out-of-pocket costs. According to Magellan Health Service’s website, qualified clients are eligible for outpatient rehabilitation coverage starting at $3,500 per month.

If you need help paying for eating disorder treatment and have additional questions, give us a call today at .

Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment vs. Outpatient Services

Whether you need inpatient or outpatient services for your eating disorder will depend on the severity of your condition. If your condition is not life-threatening and your symptoms are fairly manageable, you might be able to receive treatment on an outpatient basis. With outpatient services, you can stick to your daily routine and attend doctor appointments, meetings and therapy sessions when it is convenient for you. This type of treatment is beneficial for those who have fulltime jobs, children at home or other important day-to-day responsibilities. Outpatient services provide a great deal of support to clients, and you can achieve success in overcoming your eating disorder at an outpatient clinic, especially if you have a strong support system at home.

Inpatient services are generally recommended if you need around-the-clock care. Physicians, nutritionists, psychologists and other medical practitioners are always available to those receiving inpatient treatment. If your condition is critical and you feel your eating disorder has taken over your life, inpatient care might be the best option for you. Receiving daily 24-hour care will allow you to focus on getting better. You’ll also have fewer temptations and much more support at an inpatient facility.

Some inpatient facilities are in hospital settings, while others are at recovery centers. Each facility offers different amenities to clients, but the specialty services you need to get well will be available to you through your Magellan Health Services policy. Depending on the rehabilitation facility you choose, you might also have the option to combine inpatient and outpatient treatment services. For example, if you receive inpatient services, your treatment program facilitator might allow you to spend only 12 hours each day at the treatment center if you begin to show drastic signs of improvement. Because each center is different, it is best to speak with your intake specialist about the various treatment options available to inpatient and outpatient clients.

Dual Diagnosis Eating Disorder Therapy

Because eating disorders can have such a detrimental effect on the body, it is common for sufferers to have additional health issues. Eating disorders are very common, so most medical practitioners know that other health issues are likely present, especially in extreme cases. All the issues associated with your eating disorder must be addressed in order for you to fully recover. Some of the additional issues those dealing with eating disorders might face include:

• Bone deterioration
• Vision problems
• Thyroid problems
• Low immunity
• Anemia
• Irregular periods
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Neurological problems

It is also common for individuals to be diagnosed with two eating disorders at once. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa states that only 35 percent of people with eating disorders receive treatment for their condition.

If you have an eating disorder and recognize any of the symptoms mentioned, it is important to get help right away. Give us a call at , and let us help you get started on the path to recovery.

Insurance vs. Private Pay for Eating Disorder Options

Since treatment for eating disorders can be quite expensive, it is important to keep your policy up to date. A wide array of medical and psychological problems that require professional treatment often accompany bulimia and anorexia. If you have a LifeResources policy through Magellan Health Services, contact Magellan’s customer service department to learn exactly what your specific policy covers and how much money you must have in order to start receiving treatment. If you do not have a LifeResources policy, inquire about adding it to your policy as soon as possible.

If you upgrade your Magellan policy, the changes might not take effect right away. In fact, depending on when you decide to upgrade, you might have to wait a few months before you can begin receiving the benefits available through LifeResources. In the meantime, you can still use your coverage to treat some of the ailments associated with your eating disorder. You can also visit your local health department to inquire about any free services you might be eligible for. Many government-run health facilities offer counseling, nutritional assistance and other services to low-income individuals or families.

If you want to receive treatment at an upscale facility, keep in mind that many upscale rehabilitation centers do not accept insurance. If the facility that interests you does accept Magellan’s coverage, there might be a limit on the services you will be eligible to receive. If money is no object and you are willing to pay out of pocket to receive the best accommodations possible, you should not have a difficult time finding a rehabilitation center that meets your needs. Many high-end centers offer gourmet meals, Pilates, massage therapy and a host of other amenities to make your recovery time as relaxing as possible. They also offer psychological counseling, group therapy, medical assistance and other services essential for your recovery.

Whether you choose an outpatient or inpatient facility through Magellan’s Health Services, the most important decision is the one to get help for your eating disorder. Eating disorders are treatable diseases, so it is not too late for you to get the assistance you need. If you or a loved one is struggling to overcome an eating disorder, give us a call right away at . We’re available 24/7 to help you.