National Eating Disorders Association Comments on Recent California Federal District Court Decision
NEDA Comments on Harlick vs. Blue Shield Eating Disorders Treatment Decision
Online, February 2, 2011 (Newswire.com) - In the case of Harlick vs. Blue Shield (U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, Case No. 08-3651 SC), the federal district court upheld Blue Shield's denial of payment for residential eating disorder treatment services provided to a Blue Shield member. This ruling is currently on appeal to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
In response to inquiries regarding the National Eating Disorder Association's position on the above mentioned case, Lynn Grefe, president and CEO of NEDA, stated, "The National Eating Disorders Association is not a participant in this class action, but we are aware that many of our members are quite concerned about the harmful effects of the district court's decision. Based on our years of collective experience with sufferers of eating disorders and their families, we know that residential treatment has proven highly effective for many. We thus wish to express our strong view that the residential treatment option must remain available as one of a variety of treatment options. Eating disorders are notoriously difficult to address, and it would be a travesty to deprive those for whom other treatment options are not effective from access to this method."
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), headquartered in Seattle, Wash., is the leading U.S. non-profit organization supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. Each year, NEDA helps millions of people across the country find information and appropriate treatment resources through its toll-free live helpline (800-931-2237), its many outreach programs and website. NEDA advocates for advancements in the field and envisions a world without eating disorders. NationalEatingDisorders.org
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Contacts:
Greenleaf & Associates - 323-660-5800
Vicki Greenleaf - [email protected]
Karen Brundage - [email protected]
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Tags: Eating Disorders, National Eating Disorders Associ, NEDA
