Eating Disorders & Insurance
A large portion of people with eating disorders are in need of mental and medical healthcare, but are unable to get it. Even with health insurance, people are often left with expensive co-pays/deductibles, or their health insurance cuts coverage after an arbitrary period of time. This can create many financial barriers and persistent frustrations for people already struggling. The document is broken down into three sections: navigating insurance, if you have it and are facing barriers; scholarships to pay for treatment; and alternative options for treatment. Please know that this is a non-exhaustive list that is meant for informational purposes and is not an official endorsement by The Joy Project.
Insurance Navigation:
In-State Medicaid Treatment Providers/Facilities by State
Advocating for ED Treatment with Medicaid
Search for Treatment by Insurance Plan
Health Insurance Assistance/Alternatives:
This is a contract between the patient’s insurance plan and the out-of-network treatment provider to grant an exception to allow coverage for services.
This is a Federal Program in which people, their spouses and/or dependents can continue to receive health coverage if they’ve lost their previous employer health insurance
To be eligible, one must have experienced a “qualifying event”
*This is not a great option as health insurance under the COBRA act does not frequently cover pre-existing illnesses, including eating disorders
Scholarships:
Application Link to all Programs
Insurance Navigation: resources to advocate to get treatment covered
Treatment Placement: Project Heal provides free treatment to beneficiaries through the HEALers Circle. Treatments and facilities that are members with the HEALers Circle will be free to beneficiaries. Applying through this program will allow you to be placed with a HEALer provider.
Cash Assistance: These are one time cash payments to help with copays, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, travel costs, and other expenses.
- Documents needed for the application:
- Health Insurance information: with or without active coverage
- 2 bank statements
- 1 recent tax return
- 2 letters of recommendation
- List of current providers (if applicable)
- Clinical self-assessment
Rebecca’s Eating Disorder Foundation
Eligibility Factors & Scholarship Overview
Rebecca’s Eating Disorder Foundation Scholarship is a needs-based scholarship and awards can range in value.
Moonshadow’s Spirit scholarship will award funds based on need.
This is a one-time living expense grant of up to $500.
To be eligible, you must have an eating disorder diagnosis and be currently enrolled in some sort of intensive treatment (outpatient, inpatient, residential; minimum of 9 hrs/week).
Alternative Resources to Treatment:
The Joy Project
The Joy Project has a weekly Support Group held via Zoom
Mondays, 6:30 pm-8 pm at the University Church of Hope
Online support groups for BI&POC individuals, ages 18+, who may struggle with food and/or body image
Sage & Spoon Supportive Groups:
Sage & Spoon for BIPOC 18+
- Held every last Wednesday of the month
- 5 pm PST/8 pm EST
- Link to sign-up and more info
Sage & Spoon for Black Folx 18+
- Held every last Tuesday of the month
- 5 pm PST/8 pm EST
- Link to sign-up and more info
Online Support Group Directory
Find online support groups based on your individual needs.
All support groups through Liberating Jasper have a HAES and social justice lens!
Groups are open to all adults and will be held over Zoom
- Bodies of Size Support Group | Mondays, 6-7 pm PST
- Queer Peer Eating Disorder Support Group | Tuesdays, 6-7 pm PST
- General Eating Disorder Support Group | Wednesdays, 6/7 pm PST
- BIPOC Eating Disorder Support Group | Thursdays, 6-7 pm PST