Dear EDC Member Organizations, supporters, advocates and all those who care about the cause of Eating Disorders-
Over 100 advocates from across the country descended on the nation's capitol to advocate for the FREED Act --the Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders (HR 1448, S 481). We had over 50 new advocates join us this year!
The events all began with a Reception and Meet and Greet Social on Monday evening prior to Lobby Day. "The Joy of Recovery: A Story of Inspiration" was shared by long time EDC advocate Eileen Binckley. A light dinner along with refreshments were served as advocates both new and old mingled.
EDC National Lobby Day, April 12th, began early with a training for all new advocates. EDC Policy Director Jeanine Cogan and I helped to calm the nerves of new advocates by educating them on the process of lobbying and what to expect on the Hill that day. Along with educating advocates about 'what to expect' that day, we had fun with ice-breakers, sharing stories of hope and inspiration, and getting to know our fellow advocates. After a couple hours of training the soon-to-be-veteran-advocates, we headed upstairs to join with the entire group of the EDC advocates. Great to see old friends connecting with new EDC advocates and friends! We had a lot to cover in a short amount of time, so we settled in with a small breakfast as we went over the basics of the FREED Act. Teams sat together had a chance to practice what they would say in their upcoming Hill visits. Despite the "spring showers" we headed out to the Hill with enthusiasm and gusto!
At 4pm we all met back up in Dirksen Senate Office Building for our very powerful Congressional Briefing entitled: "Addressing Eating Disorders through the Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act". The Briefing was hosted by Senator Tom Harkin and included a diverse group of distinguished speakers: Seham Eldiwany MD, FAAP, Pediatrician & Director of Teens Health Center, Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center: “No More Harm: Why Physicians Need to Properly Identify Eating Disorders”; Gaelyn Tierney, Talia Goldberg, Vally Dikovitskaya of the Boulder Youth Body Alliance: “Teens Talk: Why the FREED Act is Important to Teens in the U.S.”; Dawn and Joe Radsek; “When Insurance Companies Fail to Cover Life Saving Treatment: Parents Share the Tragedy of Losing their Daughter”; Lisa Kantor, Esq. Kantor & Kantor LLP: “Holding Insurance Companies Accountable”; and Matt Wetsel: “No More Gender Bias: A survivor discusses his challenges and triumph over anorexia”.
Each of the speeches given were thought provoking. Despite some of the speeches touching on the pain associated with eating disorders, there was a current of hope pulsing thru the audience. That hope is that the FREED Act exists.
As a direct result of advocates sharing their stories on the Hill this EDC National Lobby Day we already have new co sponsors in both the House and Senate! This speaks volumes about the relationship that EDC advocates have with offices of their Representatives and Senators, as well as to the power of using your voice to share your story.
We are forever grateful to each one of you who finds the time, and dedicates the resources, to come share your story each and every Lobby Day. WITHOUT you there would be no hope of passing the FREED Act. WITH YOU, there IS hope. There is hope that we WILL see a day when treatment of eating disorders is equal to the treatment of physical illness. There is hope that we WILL see a day when research dollars are no longer so disparate compared with other illnesses. And there is hope that we WILL see a day when eating disorders education and prevention exists in every single state. We hope you had an encouraging and inspiring time and that you will join us again at our next EDC National Lobby Day in September!
There are many opportunities prior to September for you to use your voice and advocate for Eating Disorders and related issues on the Federal level, so make sure you stay connected!!
Join the Friends and Family Action Council: http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org/join-renew.htm
Connect on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eating-Disorders-Coalition/186592083884
Follow our tweets on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/EDCoalition
Again --thank you each for your putting your time, resources, and your emotional and physical energy into April, 2011 EDC National Lobby Day. We hope you are very proud of your Self for all that you accomplished.
with much respect and gratitude, Kathleen MacDonald, Policy Assistant
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Important EDC Lobby Day Update - See you in DC!
As you may have heard by now the government will be open for business next week so Lobby Day will continue as planned.
We look forward to seeing you at Lobby Day!
--------------------------------------------------------
David Jaffe
Executive Director
Eating Disorders Coalition
Monday, March 28, 2011
Remuda East Closure: Prevent This From Happening to Other Treatment Centers!
The Eating Disorders Coalition is saddened to learn that the residential treatment center Remuda East (Remuda Ranch's Virginia location), will close due to lack of reimbursement from insurance companies, namely Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield. In February of 2011, the EDC announced its: Holding Insurance Companies Accountable (HICA) Campaign to address this very issue.
The EDC sees this lack of coverage as a great injustice and is working hard via the HICA Campaign to ensure other treatment centers do not face the same situation as Remuda East.
If you or your treatment center have faced lack of reimbursement for residential coverage, please contact: EDCHoldsInsuranceAccountable@yahoo.com for more information on how you can address this injustice.
Remuda Ranch Press Release below:
Remuda East Eating Disorder Treatment Facility to Close
Residential behavioral facility closes due to reductions in insurance reimbursement
Milford, VA. (March 15, 2011) – Officials with Remuda East today announced plans for the closure of the residential eating disorder behavioral facility located in Milford, Virginia.
The decision follows the reduction of insurance coverage for residential treatment program patients in Virginia. Remuda East is a 48-bed residential behavioral facility focused on the treatment of eating disorders in women and young females.
The closure is expected at the end of March with the discharge of the last patient.
A number of factors are impacting the sustainability of residential behavioral programs like Remuda East. Most significantly, starting in January 2011, fewer patients have residential benefits as part of their insurance coverage, including those with Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield, a major payor in the state of Virginia, which eliminated coverage.
“This was not an easy decision for the leadership of Remuda East to make,” said Mark Bowers, executive director of Remuda East. “Insurance companies are playing a more active role in determining the levels of care we are able to provide to eating disorder patients, including eliminating, denying and severely limiting coverage for treatment in a residential setting.”
Additionally, because of economic conditions, fewer individuals have the financial resources to seek care as private pay patients.
Despite Remuda’s efforts, the combination of reduced reimbursement rates from insurance companies, fewer patients with residential treatment benefits, and fewer patients with the ability to seek care on their own has resulted in an inadequate number of patients and financial resources to sustain the facility’s operations.
“We have spent the past year exploring a variety of ways we can continue to serve our Remuda East patients at the highest level, but ultimately, no matter how efficiently and effectively we treat our patients, reimbursement is being eliminated,” added Bowers.
The last patients have been admitted to the Remuda East for treatment which is typically a 30-day program. Any new patients are being referred to the Remuda Ranch facility in Wickenburg, Arizona to explore treatment options there. Remuda Ranch will continue its 20-year tradition of providing treatment for patients and families suffering from eating disorders. Remuda Ranch is licensed in Arizona as an inpatient behavioral health facility and is covered by most insurance programs.
“While a decision like this is not easy, it is necessary, and we are committed to working with each and every patient at Remuda, and their families, to continue to provide them with the highest quality care, attention, assistance and support during their treatment process and follow up,” said Bowers.
Remuda East’s 73 employees will remain on the payroll with full benefits through May 14, 2011, and leadership will work with each employee to assist them through the transition process and with their search for new employment.
More information can be found at www.remudaranch.com.
The EDC sees this lack of coverage as a great injustice and is working hard via the HICA Campaign to ensure other treatment centers do not face the same situation as Remuda East.
If you or your treatment center have faced lack of reimbursement for residential coverage, please contact: EDCHoldsInsuranceAccountable@yahoo.com for more information on how you can address this injustice.
Remuda Ranch Press Release below:
Remuda East Eating Disorder Treatment Facility to Close
Residential behavioral facility closes due to reductions in insurance reimbursement
Milford, VA. (March 15, 2011) – Officials with Remuda East today announced plans for the closure of the residential eating disorder behavioral facility located in Milford, Virginia.
The decision follows the reduction of insurance coverage for residential treatment program patients in Virginia. Remuda East is a 48-bed residential behavioral facility focused on the treatment of eating disorders in women and young females.
The closure is expected at the end of March with the discharge of the last patient.
A number of factors are impacting the sustainability of residential behavioral programs like Remuda East. Most significantly, starting in January 2011, fewer patients have residential benefits as part of their insurance coverage, including those with Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield, a major payor in the state of Virginia, which eliminated coverage.
“This was not an easy decision for the leadership of Remuda East to make,” said Mark Bowers, executive director of Remuda East. “Insurance companies are playing a more active role in determining the levels of care we are able to provide to eating disorder patients, including eliminating, denying and severely limiting coverage for treatment in a residential setting.”
Additionally, because of economic conditions, fewer individuals have the financial resources to seek care as private pay patients.
Despite Remuda’s efforts, the combination of reduced reimbursement rates from insurance companies, fewer patients with residential treatment benefits, and fewer patients with the ability to seek care on their own has resulted in an inadequate number of patients and financial resources to sustain the facility’s operations.
“We have spent the past year exploring a variety of ways we can continue to serve our Remuda East patients at the highest level, but ultimately, no matter how efficiently and effectively we treat our patients, reimbursement is being eliminated,” added Bowers.
The last patients have been admitted to the Remuda East for treatment which is typically a 30-day program. Any new patients are being referred to the Remuda Ranch facility in Wickenburg, Arizona to explore treatment options there. Remuda Ranch will continue its 20-year tradition of providing treatment for patients and families suffering from eating disorders. Remuda Ranch is licensed in Arizona as an inpatient behavioral health facility and is covered by most insurance programs.
“While a decision like this is not easy, it is necessary, and we are committed to working with each and every patient at Remuda, and their families, to continue to provide them with the highest quality care, attention, assistance and support during their treatment process and follow up,” said Bowers.
Remuda East’s 73 employees will remain on the payroll with full benefits through May 14, 2011, and leadership will work with each employee to assist them through the transition process and with their search for new employment.
More information can be found at www.remudaranch.com.
Due April 1! Only a few days left to apply for the EDC Junior Board
Due April 1! Only a few days left to apply for the EDC Junior Board
Are you passionate about promoting awareness for eating disorders and supporting federal legislation to help those suffering with eating disorders? Are you interested in making a difference? We’re looking for leaders!
The Eating Disorders Coalition is currently looking forward for leaders that will be part of the Junior Board and will use their voices to raise awareness and funds for the EDC. The Eating Disorders Junior Board supports the organization, raises money, advocates for important legislation, and brings awareness to the work we are doing. We are looking for individuals from diverse backgrounds, and geographic locations to fill seats on the Junior Board, and who will work independently and as a team with fellow members in order to meet goals our organization has set for the year.
The Junior Board application process is competitive: the commitment we make to each member requires us to limit the opportunity.
Members of the Junior Board will be expected to:
• Spread the word about FREED, the EDC, and Lobby Days
• Raise $1500 Give/Get by End of Year
• Participate in Junior Board Calls
• Strongly encouraged to attend at least one Lobby Day a year
We believe the opportunity to work together on this board will be meaningful and rewarding to each member, and lead to future collaboration and advancement in eating disorder advocacy. The Junior Board, under the approval of the Board of Directors, will also have the opportunity to think about other ways they can be spreading the word about the EDC and have their voices heard.
If you are ready to pursue this opportunity to be part of EDC’s work and mission, please complete the survey here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/73FSWK5
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Happy Birthday to the Affordable Care Act!!
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is one year old today!
Though there has been confusion and hot debate we do have reason to celebrate as the first provisions of the ACA went into effect this past year. Positive acts from which millions are benefiting include: the elimination of insurance exclusions due to pre-existing conditions for children up to age 19; young adults up to age 26 can now remain on their family insurance policy; and annual and lifetime health insurance limits are gone!
To help with the continued confusion about what the ACA and explain a bit about what the law will do I decided to borrow from a Washington Post blogger. Hope this helps for those of you wanting more clarification.
This is the second part of Ezra Klein's blog in the Washington Post today
"the Affordable Care Act, once it kicks in fully in 2014, is expected to do four things: provide coverage; remake a small slice of the private insurance market; pay for itself; and try to control costs. Let’s take them in order.
The law has two main mechanisms for covering people: Medicaid — which is a government insurance program that focuses on the poor — and subsidies to help people afford private insurance. The split is expected to be almost even: Of the 32 million people the law is expected to cover by 2019, 16 million will be on Medicaid and the rest covered by private insurance.
The problem with subsidizing insurance is that the sick rush to sign up and the insurers refuse to cover them. The law escapes this conundrum by telling people who can afford insurance that they have to buy it or face a small fine (the dreaded individual mandate) and by telling insurers that they can’t discriminate based on preexisting conditions. That is to say, healthy people can no longer say no until they get sick and insurers can no longer say yes only when applicants are healthy.
These transactions will happen on the new “exchanges” — a place that will, in effect, be a Web site where people can compare plans and choose the one that will serve them best. But behind the pleasing exterior (you can see it at HealthCare.gov), the exchanges offer another layer of consumer protection: Just as Amazon.com would stop carrying a toaster that routinely exploded when customers plugged it in, if an insurer repeatedly misbehaves, regulators can kick it out of the exchange.
All this will cost money — and in a system that’s already overpriced. Which brings us to offsets and cost controls. It’s important to know the difference: Offsets are the policies that cover the law’s costs. They’re concrete, simple reforms — cutting this much, taxing that much — and as long as we are willing to implement them, they are likely to work. Controls are the policies that try to rein in health-care spending. They’re ambitious attempts to change the way doctors are paid, insurance is bought and Medicare is reformed. If they work, they will, in the long run, save an enormous amount of money — much more than the offsets.
The big offsets in the health-care law slow payment increases to providers who participate in Medicare ($240 billion), cut payments to private insurers that participate in Medicare but cost more than the basic Medicare program does ($140 billion), increase the Medicare tax on high earners ($210 billion) and add a tax on very expensive health-care plans ($20 billion, although much more than that between 2020 and 2029), and so on. All in all, the legislation is expected to save or raise about $100 billion more than it spends in the first 10 years.
The cost controls will occur over a longer period and are more speculative. Medicare, for instance, is going to experiment with paying hospitals a flat sum for all successful care associated with a particular condition. This will mean that doctors make more money when they do less and are successful at it, rather than making more for doing more, as is the case now. The tax on expensive health insurance plans is meant to drive people — and employers — to seek plans that better control costs.
The Independent Payment Advisory Board is a group of stakeholders and experts charged with helping Medicare control costs and empowered to make changes to the system even if Congress is too paralyzed or distracted to act. It will be fed ideas by the new Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, which will test ways to improve care and cut expenses. The exchanges will make it easier to comparison-shop, and the subsidies are linked to the lowest-priced plans in the exchanges to reward cost-efficient insurers. New information about what drugs and treatments work best and for whom will come from trials, and if combined with electronic-medical records, could help doctors make more cost-effective decisions.
Is it a perfect piece of legislation? Not even close. Will everything work as expected? Almost certainly not. But for all its flaws, it’s a good law, which is why Republicans have had so much trouble coming up with state plans that could cover more people at a lower cost. And it’s worth trying.
So happy birthday, Affordable Care Act. Here’s to many more."
Though there has been confusion and hot debate we do have reason to celebrate as the first provisions of the ACA went into effect this past year. Positive acts from which millions are benefiting include: the elimination of insurance exclusions due to pre-existing conditions for children up to age 19; young adults up to age 26 can now remain on their family insurance policy; and annual and lifetime health insurance limits are gone!
To help with the continued confusion about what the ACA and explain a bit about what the law will do I decided to borrow from a Washington Post blogger. Hope this helps for those of you wanting more clarification.
This is the second part of Ezra Klein's blog in the Washington Post today
"the Affordable Care Act, once it kicks in fully in 2014, is expected to do four things: provide coverage; remake a small slice of the private insurance market; pay for itself; and try to control costs. Let’s take them in order.
The law has two main mechanisms for covering people: Medicaid — which is a government insurance program that focuses on the poor — and subsidies to help people afford private insurance. The split is expected to be almost even: Of the 32 million people the law is expected to cover by 2019, 16 million will be on Medicaid and the rest covered by private insurance.
The problem with subsidizing insurance is that the sick rush to sign up and the insurers refuse to cover them. The law escapes this conundrum by telling people who can afford insurance that they have to buy it or face a small fine (the dreaded individual mandate) and by telling insurers that they can’t discriminate based on preexisting conditions. That is to say, healthy people can no longer say no until they get sick and insurers can no longer say yes only when applicants are healthy.
These transactions will happen on the new “exchanges” — a place that will, in effect, be a Web site where people can compare plans and choose the one that will serve them best. But behind the pleasing exterior (you can see it at HealthCare.gov), the exchanges offer another layer of consumer protection: Just as Amazon.com would stop carrying a toaster that routinely exploded when customers plugged it in, if an insurer repeatedly misbehaves, regulators can kick it out of the exchange.
All this will cost money — and in a system that’s already overpriced. Which brings us to offsets and cost controls. It’s important to know the difference: Offsets are the policies that cover the law’s costs. They’re concrete, simple reforms — cutting this much, taxing that much — and as long as we are willing to implement them, they are likely to work. Controls are the policies that try to rein in health-care spending. They’re ambitious attempts to change the way doctors are paid, insurance is bought and Medicare is reformed. If they work, they will, in the long run, save an enormous amount of money — much more than the offsets.
The big offsets in the health-care law slow payment increases to providers who participate in Medicare ($240 billion), cut payments to private insurers that participate in Medicare but cost more than the basic Medicare program does ($140 billion), increase the Medicare tax on high earners ($210 billion) and add a tax on very expensive health-care plans ($20 billion, although much more than that between 2020 and 2029), and so on. All in all, the legislation is expected to save or raise about $100 billion more than it spends in the first 10 years.
The cost controls will occur over a longer period and are more speculative. Medicare, for instance, is going to experiment with paying hospitals a flat sum for all successful care associated with a particular condition. This will mean that doctors make more money when they do less and are successful at it, rather than making more for doing more, as is the case now. The tax on expensive health insurance plans is meant to drive people — and employers — to seek plans that better control costs.
The Independent Payment Advisory Board is a group of stakeholders and experts charged with helping Medicare control costs and empowered to make changes to the system even if Congress is too paralyzed or distracted to act. It will be fed ideas by the new Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, which will test ways to improve care and cut expenses. The exchanges will make it easier to comparison-shop, and the subsidies are linked to the lowest-priced plans in the exchanges to reward cost-efficient insurers. New information about what drugs and treatments work best and for whom will come from trials, and if combined with electronic-medical records, could help doctors make more cost-effective decisions.
Is it a perfect piece of legislation? Not even close. Will everything work as expected? Almost certainly not. But for all its flaws, it’s a good law, which is why Republicans have had so much trouble coming up with state plans that could cover more people at a lower cost. And it’s worth trying.
So happy birthday, Affordable Care Act. Here’s to many more."
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
EDC Junior Board Now Accepting New Applications
Are you passionate about promoting awareness for eating disorders and supporting federal legislation to help those suffering with eating disorders? Are you interested in making a difference? We’re looking for leaders!
The Eating Disorders Coalition is currently looking forward for leaders that will be part of the Junior Board and will use their voices to raise awareness and funds for the EDC. The Eating Disorders Junior Board supports the organization, raises money, advocates for important legislation, and brings awareness to the work we are doing. We are looking for individuals from diverse backgrounds, and geographic locations to fill seats on the Junior Board, and who will work independently and as a team with fellow members in order to meet goals our organization has set for the year.
The Junior Board application process is competitive: the commitment we make to each member requires us to limit the opportunity.
Members of the Junior Board will be expected to:
• Spread the word about FREED, the EDC, and Lobby Days
• Raise $1500 Give/Get by End of Year
• Participate in Junior Board Calls
• Strongly encouraged to attend at least one Lobby Day a year
We believe the opportunity to work together on this board will be meaningful and rewarding to each member, and lead to future collaboration and advancement in eating disorder advocacy. The Junior Board, under the approval of the Board of Directors, will also have the opportunity to think about other ways they can be spreading the word about the EDC and have their voices heard.
If you are ready to pursue this opportunity to be part of EDC’s work and mission, please complete the survey here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/73FSWK5
The Eating Disorders Coalition is currently looking forward for leaders that will be part of the Junior Board and will use their voices to raise awareness and funds for the EDC. The Eating Disorders Junior Board supports the organization, raises money, advocates for important legislation, and brings awareness to the work we are doing. We are looking for individuals from diverse backgrounds, and geographic locations to fill seats on the Junior Board, and who will work independently and as a team with fellow members in order to meet goals our organization has set for the year.
The Junior Board application process is competitive: the commitment we make to each member requires us to limit the opportunity.
Members of the Junior Board will be expected to:
• Spread the word about FREED, the EDC, and Lobby Days
• Raise $1500 Give/Get by End of Year
• Participate in Junior Board Calls
• Strongly encouraged to attend at least one Lobby Day a year
We believe the opportunity to work together on this board will be meaningful and rewarding to each member, and lead to future collaboration and advancement in eating disorder advocacy. The Junior Board, under the approval of the Board of Directors, will also have the opportunity to think about other ways they can be spreading the word about the EDC and have their voices heard.
If you are ready to pursue this opportunity to be part of EDC’s work and mission, please complete the survey here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/73FSWK5
Friday, March 11, 2011
FAC Volunteers Needed
HELP WANTED
Spread Your Passion for
EDC National Lobby Day by
Urging Eating Disorder Advocates to Attend:
EDC National Lobby Day,
April 12, 2011
Dear FAC Members,
We know that YOU understand the importance of the FREED Act and EDC National Lobby Day…but there are many ED Advocates who do not yet know about the FREED Act and EDC National Lobby Day! With your help, time and passion, we can increase attendance at EDC National Lobby Day and increase the likelihood of passing the FREED Act into law!
Of course we want advocates from all 50 states to come to the Hill to advocate for the FREED Act (–the first ever comprehensive bill in the 200+ years of Congress to address eating disorders!) But this year we are targeting our attention on a few specific states (listed below).
If you are interested in putting up flyers on your campus, starting a letter-writing campaign, spreading the message on Facebook and/or other social networks email manager@eatingdisorderscoalition.org
Here are our “Target States” for April, 2011 –but again, ideally we need to represent ALL 50 States in order to pass the FREED Act!
Arizona
Arkansas
Connecticut
Georgia
Illinois
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine
New Mexico
Oregon
Rhode Island
Vermont
Washington
Wyoming
Spread Your Passion for
EDC National Lobby Day by
Urging Eating Disorder Advocates to Attend:
EDC National Lobby Day,
April 12, 2011
Dear FAC Members,
We know that YOU understand the importance of the FREED Act and EDC National Lobby Day…but there are many ED Advocates who do not yet know about the FREED Act and EDC National Lobby Day! With your help, time and passion, we can increase attendance at EDC National Lobby Day and increase the likelihood of passing the FREED Act into law!
Of course we want advocates from all 50 states to come to the Hill to advocate for the FREED Act (–the first ever comprehensive bill in the 200+ years of Congress to address eating disorders!) But this year we are targeting our attention on a few specific states (listed below).
If you are interested in putting up flyers on your campus, starting a letter-writing campaign, spreading the message on Facebook and/or other social networks email manager@eatingdisorderscoalition.org
Here are our “Target States” for April, 2011 –but again, ideally we need to represent ALL 50 States in order to pass the FREED Act!
Arizona
Arkansas
Connecticut
Georgia
Illinois
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine
New Mexico
Oregon
Rhode Island
Vermont
Washington
Wyoming
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