November 6th, 2009

Announces a press release from Sen. Daylin Leach:

State Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Delaware, Montgomery) today introduced a bill that would provide better access to treatment for the thousands of Pennsylvanians who suffer from eating disorders.

Senate Bill 1138 would require Pennsylvania’s health insurers to cover non-hospital, in-patient treatment for eating disorders and the underlying issues that may cause them.

“Too many victims never receive the care they need to pinpoint the causes of eating disorders and effectively treat them. Without addressing these causal and maintaining factors, most patients will quickly lose weight and relapse,” Leach said. “It is my goal, with this legislation, to ensure that no Pennsylvanian suffering from these diseases will go untreated and face the risk of recidivism again.”

Leach noted that studies have shown the most effective course of treatment is through 24-hour support and structured programs. Non-hospital, residential treatment facilities are often where those types of programs are offered.

“It has been shown that the best course of action for those who suffer from an eating disorder to take is to receive care at a residential treatment facility,” Leach added. “However, few insurance plans in our state cover such programs and facilities. Unfortunately, that means that Pennsylvanians are denied access to the most effective and efficient treatment available.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 American women struggle with an eating disorder, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating. Without treatment, up to 15 percent of individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder will die or suffer from long-term chronic illness as a result.