The Missouri General Assembly has passed SB 145, important legislation which, if signed by Governor Nixon, will require health benefit plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders in the state.
This is a major victory for the treatment of eating disorders in the state because it requires insurance companies to cover eating disorders diagnosis and care as recommended by the American Psychiatric Association’s Standard of Care Guidelines. Missouri has had a Mental Health Parity Law in existence, but insurance companies have continually been able to get away with denying full coverage, because the language in the law was very vague.
This legislation clearly defines the necessary care guidelines that need to be taken into account by insurance companies when providing coverage to a patient with an eating disorder. The legislation also recognizes that medical necessity should not solely be based upon an individual’s weight, but should consider the overall medical and psychological needs of an individual.
This victory is a major step toward closing the insurance gap in Missouri and ensuring that those suffering from an eating disorder receive the treatment they need and deserve. We hope that this Missouri legislation will also serve as a model as we encourage other states across the country to implement similar laws.
NEDA would like to sincerely thank STAR advocate Annie Seal, Board President of NEDA Network member MOEDA, who has worked tirelessly for several years to make this victory a reality. NEDA also thanks Senator Pearce and Representative Frederick of Missouri for their leadership and support of this initiative, as well as all the Missouri legislators who stood up in support of this legislation. We also thank former Missouri Representative Stream, who previously introduced this legislation for 6 years before leaving office last year. NEDA also wishes to thank Kim McCallum and McCallum place for their support.
Finally, thank you to our STAR program advocates who continue to dedicate their time to spread awareness about eating disorders and to initiate legislative reform. This victory proves that persistence pays off, and we encourage you to keep using your voice for change!
click here to write to Governor Jay Nixon to make sure that he signs this bill into law!
