Make your voice heard with the STAR Program — Solutions Through Advocacy and Reform.
Real people — individuals and families — are the strongest advocates for championing our cause. Together we hope to increase access to treatment for eating disorders by expanding insurance coverage, advocating for quality treatment, increasing public understanding of eating disorders and urging more funding for research.
What does “coverage” mean and why is research important?
Improved insurance coverage means that you or your loved ones will be able to seek and receive adequate treatment for eating disorders. Improved insurance coveraIncreased research is crucial to better understand these illnesses. Improved insurance coverage will alleviate the sometimes devastating financial burdens placed on families and encourage doctors to recognize early warning signs in patients, both young and old, deterring potentially life-threatening illnesses.
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What else can we fight for?
It is very important that we push for increased research, as it is crucial to better understand these illnesses. We know relatively little about these eating disorders, and we need good, updated statistics to argue for better treatment and improved access to care. We must also raise awareness about eating disorders - among teachers, nurses, doctors and the general public. Catching the illness early can be a key to recovery, but lack of awareness as well as pervasive stereotypes, plague eating disorders often making prevention and early intervention unattainable.
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Find out if your state offers insurance coverage
The federal government recently enacted mental health parity. This means that mental illness, when included in an insurance plan, must be covered equally with physical illness. The definition of mental illness, however, is left up to interpretation. So, insurance coverage for eating disorders varies by each state and can cahnge with legislative action. NEDA will make every effort to upload a current listing as we learn of any changes and/or updates. We strongly recommend these tips:
- Read your policy.
- Consult your insurance representative.
- See if the treatment providers you are contemplating can help you navigate coverage.
- Download a document on insurance issues.
Look up information regarding eating disorder insurance coverage in your state.
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Why Advocate with NEDA to Combat Eating Disorders?
- YOU REALLY can make a difference in your state.
- Lobbying is easy when you have the tools. We can provide you with the tools and teach you how to use them.
- Because your legislators might not know about the injustices occurring within their borders. It is up to us to educate policy makers about the impact of eating disorders.
- Because you have the expertise and experience about eating disorders that your elected officials lack.
- Working with NEDA also means that you have the guidance and support of a national association. Legislators want to do the most good for the most number of people. If you speak with the support of an organization, they are much more likely to hear your case than if you approach them solo.
To get involved, contact star@myneda.org or visit http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/programs-events/star-program.php for more information.
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The National Eating Disorders Association is a strictly nonpartisan organization. NEDA does not support or oppose individual office holders, political parties or candidates. Our advocacy efforts are focused on raising awareness among elected officials and educating them about the issues surrounding eating disorders.
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