This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week; There are between 14.5 and 30 million people across the country struggling with an eating disorder but only one in 10 people with an eating disorder will receive treatment

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

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today took to the Senate floor to speak in recognition of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and to call on her colleagues to support the bipartisan Anna Westin Act. There are between 14.5 and 30 million people across the country struggling with an eating disorder but only one in 10 people with an eating disorder will receive treatment. Klobuchar has introduced the bipartisan Anna Westin Act that would direct funding to support training for school and health personnel and ensure that health insurance companies cover residential treatment for eating disorders. 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.

“We have a moral obligation to help people like Anna and families like the Westins – and we cannot afford to wait any longer,” said Klobuchar. “With affected families in every corner of our country, I invite all of my colleagues to join in support of this bipartisan bill. We must act now to give the millions of Americans struggling with eating disorders the help they need. Doing so will not just prevent suffering. It will help save lives.”

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 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.

Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) are original cosponsors of Klobuchar’s legislation.

For a broadcast-quality video excerpt of Klobuchar’s remarks, click here.

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