People With Eating Disorders Lack Access To Care

If you or someone you know has ever struggled with an eating disorder, you probably already understand it. Finding professional treatment for eating disorders is very expensive and very difficult to find.

The statistics are terrifying, especially considering that anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.

• Only 1 in 10 people with eating disorders receive treatment
• About 80% of the girls/women who have accessed care for their eating disorders do not get the intensity of treatment they need to stay in recovery – they are often sent home weeks earlier than the recommended stay
• Treatment of an eating disorder in the US ranges from $500 per day to $2,000 per day. The average cost for a month of inpatient treatment is $30,000. It is estimated that individuals with eating disorders need anywhere from 3 – 6 months of inpatient care. Health insurance companies for several reasons do not typically cover the cost of treating eating disorders
• The cost of outpatient treatment, including therapy and medical monitoring, can extend to $100,000 or more

Real people — individuals and families — are the strongest advocates for championing our cause. Together we hope to increase access to treatment for eating disorders by expanding insurance coverage, advocating for quality treatment, increasing public understanding of eating disorders and urging more funding for research. Find out more at http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/get-involved/take-action.php.