Just one-quarter of intensive eating disorder treatment facilities—such as inpatient hospitals or residential programs—accept Medicaid, according to a report published today in Psychiatric Services. More than 90% of these facilities accept private insurance.Why It’s Relevant
Medicaid beneficiaries have lower incomes and other socioeconomic disadvantages that limit their access to needed care. Per the 21st Century Cures Act, health plans and health care insurers must provide eating disorder benefits in a way that aligns with mental health parity requirements.
By the Numbers
- 384 eating disorder centers offering intensive outpatient care, partial or full hospitalization, and/or residential treatment care were identified across 45 states and the District of Columbia. Of these, 101 (26.3%) located across 35 states accepted Medicaid.
- In contrast, 94% of eating disorder centers accepted private insurance, while 6% accepted no insurance.
- Medicaid acceptance was highest (64%) at treatment centers that offered inpatient care.
- Among treatment centers operated by one of six large chains—Center for Discovery, Eating Recovery Center, Monte Nido, the Emily Program, the Renfrew Center, and Within Health—just 13% accepted Medicaid.
The Other Side
Medicaid claims data used in this study did not account for patients who didn’t seek treatment, couldn’t find treatment, or were denied treatment. The need for eating disorder services is likely therefore greater than identified. Also, Medicaid claims data were from 2022, while data from the treatment centers were from 2025, which may create some discrepancies.
Takeaway Message
“Research on operations and funding structures, such as the role of for-profit or private equity–funded treatment centers and programs that accept only out-of-pocket payment, may shed light on barriers to care faced by Medicaid beneficiaries and may reveal potential areas for intervention,” the study authors wrote.
Related Information
“Eating Disorder Treatment Access in the United States: Perceived Inequities Among Treatment Seekers”
Source
Rikki Welch et al. State-level analysis of access to intensive eating disorder care for medicaid beneficiaries. Psychiatric Services. Published January 22, 2026. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.20250233
(Image: Getty Images/iStock/Silvio Kopp)
