Klobuchar’s bipartisan Anna Westin Act would ensure that health insurance companies cover residential treatment for eating disorders and would direct funding to support training for school and health personnel

After being diagnosed with anorexia, Minnesota native Anna Westin’s insurance company maintained she was ineligible for coverage until they “certified” her disease; Anna passed away in 2000 after struggling with an eating disorder for five years 

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has received the “Champion for Eating Disorders Award” from the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC). Klobuchar introduced the bipartisan Anna Westin Act earlier this year which would clarify the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act to require that health insurance companies cover residential treatment for eating disorders and would direct funding to support training for school and health personnel. After being diagnosed with anorexia, Minnesota native Anna Westin’s insurance company maintained she was ineligible for coverage until they “certified” her disease. Anna passed away in 2000 after struggling with an eating disorder for five years.

“Millions of Americans are affected by the crippling symptoms of eating disorders but very few receive the proper treatment they need,” Klobuchar said. “I am proud to be leading this bipartisan group of women senators that have been working hard to get the Anna Westin Act passed, and it is an honor to receive this award. I will continue to fight to ensure we are doing all we can to give patients like Anna the tools they need to get the crucial help they deserve.”

The EDC presents the “Champion for Eating Disorders Award” to honor outstanding contributions of leaders in the areas of eating disorders research, policy, action, and service. In addition to Klobuchar, Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) were honored yesterday for being original cosponsors of Klobuchar’s Anna Westin Act. The EDC is a Washington, D.C.-based federal advocacy organization comprised of treatment providers, advocacy organizations, family members of individuals struggling with eating disorders, and people experiencing these disorders nationwide.

Klobuchar has been a long-standing leader in ensuring that all Americans have access to the mental health services they need. She was a cosponsor of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act that was signed into law in October 2008. The law requires health insurance companies to provide equal coverage of both mental and physical health issues. Klobuchar pushed hard for final regulations for this law, which were finally issued in December 2013. She also recently sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Labor urging the agencies to fully implement and enforce the law.