Katko supports bill providing eating disorder treatment for service members

U.S. military service members and their dependents would receive comprehensive treatment for eating disorders under bipartisan legislation recently introduced by U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY).

The congressman on Feb. 24 signed on as the lead original cosponsor of the Supporting Eating Disorders Recovery through Vital Expansion (SERVE) Act, H.R. 1309, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) and 21 other original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). 

H.R. 1309 would ensure TRICARE, the military’s health insurance program, provides coverage for eating disorders treatment for members of the Armed Forces and certain dependents of both current service members and military veterans.

“According to a recent study published by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, at least 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime. These disorders affect individuals from all backgrounds. But for service members and their families, some are not eligible to receive higher level eating disorders care under TRICARE due to their age,” Rep. Katko explained. 

If enacted, H.R. 1309, he said, “extends the age limit for beneficiaries to the Medicare eligibility age for TRICARE coverage of eating disorders care, ensuring those who served our nation and their families have access to the support they deserve.”

The legislation would clarify that under TRICARE, eating disorders treatment shall be provided to beneficiaries without age limitations when medically necessary, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Katko’s office.

Additionally, the bill would require that the U.S. Defense Secretary identifies, treats and rehabilitates service members affected by eating disorders, and would direct the U.S. Department of Defense to establish clinical practice guidelines on eating disorders treatment, the summary says.

The measure is supported by Eating Disorders Coalition Board President Chase Bannister, who said the board “looks forward to rallying its advocacy base and doing everything it can to get this important piece of legislation signed into law.”