The detrimental effects of eating disorders are complex and the consequences present themselves in every dimension of wellness, including physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual health. The cacophony that plays on the psyche of one suffering from an eating disorder can be eased with social support and a treatment team of trained medical professionals. Professional treatment is essential in disbarring eating disorder symptoms and initiating the recovery process. However, many are unable to receive health coverage for treatment services and thus continue to suffer with what is known as the deadliest of any psychological disorder.
Jeanene Harlick and Lisa Kantor (renowned ED insurance attorney) made headlines when they filed and won a case against Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). The ruling mandated that the insurer must “pay for a residential treatment facility for a patient with anorexia even though the health plan specifically excludes coverage for care in residential treatment facilities,” Mental Health Weekly’s Valerie Canady reported. Canady’s report went on to elaborate on the specifics of the ruling which stated:
“In Harlick v. Blue Shield, the 9th Circuit Court concludes …that the most reasonable interpretation of the [California] Parity Act and its implementing regulation is that [health] plans within the scope of the Act must provide coverage of all ‘medically necessary treatment’ for the nine enumerated ‘severe mental illnesses’ under the same financial terms as those applied to physical illnesses.’”
Harlick now wants to use her struggles and triumph to give back and help others who have suffered or know someone who has suffered. The Eating Disorder Activist Network (EDAN, whose founder Rachael Stern currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland and works at Pershing Turner Centers in Annapolis) is currently raising money to help send Harlick to the NEDA conference in Los Angeles in October where she hopes to spread her message and make a difference.
Those wishing to donate can do so here.
Eating Disorder Resources in Maryland
The Eating Disorder Network of Maryland offers a variety of resources for professionals and sufferers. Individuals suffering from an eating disorder can locate help in Maryland as well as DC and online here. Pershing Turner Centers(with a location in Annapolis, Maryland) also offer a variety of helpful resources. In Baltimore, both the Johns Hopkins Eating Disorders Program and the Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt are reputable in their treatment of eating disorders.
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