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Gov. Nixon signs legislation to improve insurance coverage for the treatment of eating disorders

 

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Gov. Jay Nixon today signed Senate Bill 145 to improve insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. Currently, those suffering from eating disorders and their families often must pay thousands of dollars or go without treatment altogether because of loopholes that allow insurance companies to deny coverage.

 

“Like many mental health problems, a person suffering from an eating disorder may have no outward signs of their struggle,” Gov. Nixon said. “By requiring insurance companies to consider the comprehensive health needs of these individuals, and not just their weight, we can help Missourians struggling with these disorders receive the care they need to recover. I want to thank Sen. Pearce and Rep. Frederick for their work to bring this issue to the forefront and get this lifesaving legislation to my desk.”

 

Current law already requires insurance companies to cover treatment for mental health conditions, including eating disorders. However, many Missourians have had their claims denied and have difficulty appealing these decisions because of the lack of specific guidelines. Senate Bill 145 specifies that health insurers must consider the overall medical and mental health needs of an individual with an eating disorder when making coverage decisions.

 

Under the new law, health insurers can no longer make their coverage decisions based solely on the patient’s weight. Senate Bill 145 also requires insurers to consider the American Psychiatric Association’s practice guidelines in making their decisions. An estimated 202,000 Missourians suffer from an eating disorder.

 

The bill was sponsored by Sen. David Pearce and handled in the House by Rep. Keith Frederick.

 

In addition to Senate Bill 145, Gov. Nixon also signed House Bill 343 which requires the Missouri Department of Social Services to assess the Money Follows the Person Demonstration Program.