Eating disorders are one of the most common mental health disorders for people in the United States. Over 20 million American women and 10 million men in the U.S. will cope with an eating disorder some time in their lives. Most people develop the condition in adolescence or young adulthood. With GEHA health plans eating disorder coverage, you can stop your unhealthy relationship with food and get to a healthier state of being.
Coverage Details
Government Employees Health Association, Inc., provides coverage for a wide variety of mental health needs. You may have one of three plans:
- High Option
- Standard Option
- Health Savings Advantage
The first two present coverage for your eating disorder treatment without a deductible. The High Option offers the most coverage, but the premiums are also higher. The Standard Option gives you coverage for the same treatment options, but you will have to make higher coinsurance payments for treatment. For eating disorder treatment that involves participation in an inpatient treatment center or rigorous day treatment, you must have your care precertified by your insurance before you can start any treatment plan. This may not be the case for limited outpatient therapy.
Expected Expenses
The charges you will expect to pay depend on your plan. If you have the Health Savings Advantage plan, you have a $1,500 yearly deductible for yourself, or $3,000 for you and your family. The plan includes a health savings account so you can save money to cover that deductible. Your coverage for eating disorder treatment on all plans ranges from 90-100 percent after any deductibles, for in-network providers and precertified treatment. Copays may be substantial, as inpatient treatment for weeks or months costs many thousands of dollars.
Getting Treatment
Once you know your coverage limits, you can research your treatment options. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental health condition, so finding help is really important. Your doctor can direct you to the types of health care you need to manage your eating disorder and any related conditions, like depression. Search online for therapists in your area, as well as inpatient treatment centers. Help is available near you.
If food has become your enemy, you need the ability to fight back. GEHA health plans eating disorder coverage can assist you in developing a healthier interaction with food, so that you can lead a full and happy life.