Timberline Knolls Urging Final Signature to Pass Eating Disorder Parity Bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Timberline Knolls, one of the country’s leading residential treatment facilities for eating disorders located outside Chicago, is urging final signature of House Bill 1432 into law. When passed, this bill will provide fair and equal coverage for those suffering from eating disorders.

With more than 10 million females and one million males fighting a life and death battle with anorexia or bulimia in the United States, according to the National Eating Disorders Association, delayed action on this bill will prevent many in Illinois from receiving the vital care they need to ultimately save their lives.

According to Kimberly Dennis, M.D., medical director at Timberline Knolls, eating disorders are biologically based psychiatric illnesses and should have the same coverage as the serious mental illnesses currently covered by the Illinois mental health parity law. “It’s extremely important that the Governor recognizes the importance of providing equal medical coverage to those suffering from eating disorders,” said Dr. Dennis. “Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness, nearly 12 times greater than that of any other cause of death among females between the ages of 15 and 24, so access to care is vital.”

House Bill 1432 will strengthen the Illinois mental health insurance parity law by providing fair and equal insurance coverage for those suffering from anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Timberline Knolls applauds both the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate for understanding the importance of access to treatment for individuals with eating disorders and passing this bill. Timberline Knolls also commends the bill’s sponsors, Rep. Fred Crespo and Sen. John J. Cullerton, for spearheading this effort.

The approval of House Bill 1432 will give much needed access to care for so many suffering from an eating disorder who otherwise could not afford the life-saving treatment necessary to achieve recovery.

About Timberline Knolls

Located just outside of Chicago on 43 beautiful acres, Timberline Knolls offers a spiritually nurturing environment of recovery for women ages 12 and older who are struggling to overcome eating disorders, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders. For more information on Timberline Knolls and the services offered, visit www.timberlineknolls.com