From Fortune:

1. Millions of Americans suffer from eating disorders, not just teenagers. Older adults are also affected, with 4% of women over 60 showing signs of an eating disorder. Concurrent psychiatric conditions are common, and 21% of older people die from eating disorders, which are usually overlooked.

2. Eating disorders can affect physical health, as a 2022 study found that Medicare beneficiaries with eating disorders had higher rates of other chronic conditions like heart arrhythmias. Spending was also higher for enrollees with eating disorders.

3. Unfortunately, many older adults with eating disorders go undiagnosed or untreated because symptoms can be attributed to aging. Stigma is also a barrier to seeking treatment for eating disorders among older people.

4. Eating disorder treatment is considered mental health treatment and is covered under Medicare’s mental health coverage. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 requires health insurers to provide coverage for mental health conditions, but some forms of care for eating disorders are excluded.

5. Medicare does not cover medical nutrition therapy solely for eating disorders, but a bill aims to change that. The Nutrition CARE Act would expand access to medical care for Medicare beneficiaries with eating disorders by including coverage of outpatient medical nutrition therapy through Medicare Part B.

6. Eating disorders are treatable with the right care and counseling. Traditional Medicare covers counseling for mental health conditions and has recently expanded to include licensed mental health counselors as accepted providers under Medicare.

7. If you need help with an eating disorder, contact the National Eating Disorder Association or the American Mental Health Counselors Association for resources and support.



Read more: Does Medicare cover eating disorder treatment? Yes, but certain restrictions apply