Senator seeks health insurance coverage for eating disorders

Intro:	A Missouri senator in the state Capitol says he wants health insurance companies to cover treatment for eating disorders.
RunTime:	0:37
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Warrensburg Senator, David Pearce is sponsoring a measure that would require private insurance companies to cover accessible and adequate treatment for eating disorders.

Pearce says eating disorders can be deadly, but can be corrected if caught in time.

Actuality:	PEARCE.WAV
Run Time:	00:11
Description: "Eating disorders affects a lot of families, a lot of folks around the state and it's a issue and a disease we can cure, if we get early notice and we get active very early on."

Actuality: PEARCE.WAV

Run Time: 00:11
Description: "Eating disorders affects a lot of families, a lot of folks around the state and it's a issue and a disease we can cure, if we get early notice and we get active very early on."

Health insurance companies say they oppose the measure. They say state mandates could affect their companies by raising premium cost.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Ke'yanna Johnson

Intro:	Lawmakers in the state capitol are pushing to provide treatment for eating disorders, but health insurance companies says it could cost them more money.
RunTime:	0:34
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Warrensburg Senator, David Pearce is the sponsor of the bill that would require private insurance companies to cover treatment for eating disorders.

The bill would require insurance companies to cover suitable and accessible treatment.

Shannon Cooper from The Missouri Insurance Coalition signaled opposition. Cooper says the insurance companies could take a hit.

Actuality:	COOPER1.WAV
Run Time:	00:05
Description: "Like we do on all mandates we are opposed to any type of health care mandates. We do feel that they drive the cost up."

The bills supporters says consistent support is needed for people with eating disorders.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Ke'yanna Johnson.

Intro:	Eating Disorders would be treated through health insurance, under a bill presented by the Senate Small Business Committee.
RunTime:	0:38
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Warrensburg Republican, David Pearce is sponsoring a measure that would require private insurance companies to cover treatment for eating disorders.

Pearce says people with eating disorders are usually uninsured until their health begins to fail.

Actuality:	PEARCE3.WAV
Run Time:	00:13
Description: "Usually the only time that some of these folks that are having a eating disorder get medical coverage is when their body starts to fail. So for example, they might have a heart attack or severe life threatening situations."

Health insurance companies say they oppose the measure. They say state mandates could affect their companies by raising premium cost.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Ke'yanna Johnson.