It’s an unfortunate fact that up to 24 million people in the United States suffer from an eating disorder. Yet what’s just as troubling is the fact that only one in ten of those people will seek treatment.
That’s not merely sad — it’s a life and death health issue. According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
That means it’s absolutely critical for those struggling with this issue to seek help as early as possible, Left untreated, an eating disorder can have calamitous effects on your physical health and psychological well being. One of the first steps to recovery is a thorough review of your health insurance coverage.
Cigna Eating Disorder Coverage
Like most insurance carriers, Cigna covers the treatment of eating disorders and related behavioral health issues. Before scheduling treatment, however, it’s important to take a close look at your coverage. Benefits vary from policy to policy, and some treatments and services require pre-authorization.
It’s also critical to understand the difference between in-network and out-of-network services. The former will generally cover far more of the total costs accrued during your treatment.
What Kind of Treatments Fall Under Cigna Eating Disorder Coverage?
Determining the best approach for treatment depends on the severity of your eating disorder and your personal life circumstances. Common approaches include:
- Inpatient treatment
- Outpatient rehab
- Residential programs
- Luxury or residential treatment
- Ongoing counseling
It’s important to remember that Cigna eating disorder coverage will not pay for every service or treatment available. For example, nutritional counseling is not included under Cigna’s behavioral health benefits.
Will I Require Hospitalization?
Though Cigna eating disorder coverage will pay for inpatient treatment in appropriate cases, hospitalization is not a requirement. Signs that you may benefit from staying in a medical center include:
- You need to physically detox
- You feel you may be a danger to yourself
- You have acute psychiatric issues
- You may feel unable to refrain from negative behavior without supervision
How Much Will Cigna Eating Disorder Coverage Pay For?
This depends on the specific plan you have. In some cases, Cigna may pay 100-percent of the costs, though there are often co-pays and deductibles. Cigna will typically pay for between 30 and 90 days of treatment, depending on the scope of the problem.
If you’re locked into the battle of your life with an eating disorder, it’s critical to realize help is out there. Please visit Cigna’s website for more detailed information about their coverage.