Eating Disorders Blog

This week, a federal judge give final approval for a class action settlement that requires Aetna Insurance Company to make approximately $300,000 in back payments to 119 insured individuals who received only limited coverage for eating disorders. The insurance company capitulated, promising more liberal coverage for future claims and internal reforms to better address these claims.

The settlement requires the company to handle some claims for the eating disorders anorexia and bulimia in the same manner as it does for biologically-based mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Certain eating disorder patients will be eligible for eight months of treatment, compared with only 20 outpatient visits per year and 30 days of inpatient benefits.

Although viewed as a step forward for those suffering with eating disorders, the settlement only covers fully insured individualstranslation: those with an employer-sponsored health insurance plan. Individuals with self-funded plans are not covered by the settlement. (Source: Law.com)

Posted By: Vee