NEDA TOOLKIT for Parents
SAMPLE LETTER #7
“Discussion” with the insurance company about residential placement when the insurance company suggests
that the patient needs to fail at lower levels of care before being eligible for residential treatment. In a telephone
conversation, the parents asked the insurance company to place a note in the patient file indicating the insurance
company was willing to disregard the American Psychiatric Association guidelines and recommendations of the
patient’s treatment team and take responsibility for the patient’s life. (SEND BY CERTIFIED MAIL!)
OUTCOME Shortly thereafter, the parents received a letter authorizing the residential placement.
DATE To: CEO (by name)
INS. CO. NAME & ADDRESS (use the headquarters)
From: YOUR NAME & ADDRESS
Re: PATIENT’S NAME
DOB (Date of Birth)
Insurance ID#
Case #
Dear (Pres. of INS. CO.):
Residential placement services for eating disorder treatment have been denied for our [son/daughter] against the
recommendations of a qualified team of experts consistent with the American Psychiatric Association’s evidence-
based clinical practice guidelines. Full documentation of our child’s grave medical condition and history and our
attempts to obtain coverage for that care is available from our case manager [name]. At this time, I would like you
to put in writing to me and to my child’s case file that [INS. CO.] is taking complete responsibility for my [son’s/
daughter’s] life.
Respectfully, [YOUR NAME]
Cc: [CASE MANAGER NATIONAL MEDICAL DIRECTOR (get the names for both the medical and behavioral health
divisions) NATIONAL MEDICAL DIRECTOR – Behavioral Health]
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