Financial Accessibility and Availability for Individuals with Eating Disorders in Minnesota

Presenter Information

Abby Wedrickas, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Sarah Marsh, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

16-4-2013 2:00 PM

End Date

16-4-2013 4:00 PM

Student's Major

Gender and Women's Studies

Student's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Mentor's Name

Shannon Miller

Mentor's Department

Gender and Women's Studies

Mentor's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Description

The prevalence of eating disorders is growing among all age groups and gender spectrums. In the western culture, 6 percent of women battle eating disorders and their eating disorder is highly comorbid with other mental disorders (Emily Program, 2009). In the present study, we conducted a textual content analysis of several Minnesota based insurance companies and eating disorder treatment centers to isolate the types of financial assistance that was offered for inpatient treatment of anorexia and bulimia. We examined written documents of explanations of financial assistance as well as information on services offered from eating disorder treatment centers. Special attention was given to the accessibility and display of the information and whether or not the organizations provided the necessary means to access it. Our research findings show that little to no information exist for potential patients interested in treatment for their eating disorder. Insurance coverage is available through contacting insurance agents, but there is not a significant amount of information online. Coverage for eating disorder treatment is minimal, and co-pay rates are high. Our findings have significant implications on the general databases of eating disorder information as well as the rights granted to eating disorder patients with or without substantial insurance coverage.