Eating Disorder Treatment payment is not an article to beat up on the insurance industry. Whenever we place blame a defensive stance will follow, only slowing any progress that could be made. Acknowledging a problem and bringing it to light is the beginning of change for any problem.

When the National Eating Disorder Association reports that 91% of Americans believe that eating disorders are a serious disease there seems to be plenty of light on the problem. The National Coalition on Eating Disorders has led the way on presenting Congress with the Parity Act and to their credit making the act a reality. But this Act does not go into affect until January 1, 2010.

The practitioners that work with those suffering from eating disorders have offered to work on a sliding scale in-order to keep their office doors open and provide a service that is difficult to find. I do not pretend to be an expert in this field and can not answer with any certainty why help is so hard to find in many parts of the country. I speak with people everyday that suffer with an Eating Disorder or have a friend or family member searching for treatment. There are a number of facilities on either coast that offer exceptional treatment but these come with a high price tag with only a small part covered by insurance. Those suffering that live in other areas of the country have the added expense of travel if they even have the finances to cover such a cost.

While we wait for an answer our children suffer and die from this disease. We as Americans must push for more reform and not sit back comfortably because the Parity Act was passed. Every region of our country has the responsibility to provide Eating Disorder Treatment Centers where those suffering can find help. State agencies must receive funding now to open centers where even those without financial means can find help.