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Is the FREED Act going to provide government support to those with eating disorders?
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Rep. Patrick Kennedy [D-RI1] sponsor of the FREED Act (right)
Is the federal government going to finally consider eating disorders to be a disease as they do alcoholism and drug addictions? Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act of 2009 (FREED Act), also known as H.R. 1193 is the first sign that the U.S. government may provide government recognition of eating disorders.
The federal government provides large amounts of grant money, research funding, and medical support for people who are afflicted by alcoholism and drug addictions. The government also puts great effort and money towards anti-obesity strategies. However, at the status quo, there is no major federal support for people with eating disorders even though it is potentially life threatening and classified as a disease or physical and mental illness. To further this problem, even if you identify an eating disorder your medical insurance usually will not cover the medical expenses to treat it.
What does H.R. 1193 do?
The FREED Act will result in the National Institute of Health providing research funding and treatment and prevention programs. It also extends the responsibilities of the CDC to collecting and reporting data on eating disorders and to provide training for health care professionals. This will lead to crucial information about how to treat eating disorders more effectively. Finally, the FREED Act will require that medical insurance companies offer medical and surgical benefits for eating disorders.
The bill is currently in the early part of legislation so sending a letter to your congressman could influence the outcome of the bill. The Eating Disorders Coalition is conducting a letter writing campaign between November 3rd and 17th.
For more information: H.R. 1193: Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act of 2009
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