Medicare aid on eating ills draws praise

A LANDMARK Medicare subsidy to help support patients with crippling eating disorders has been warmly welcomed by medical support services and families battling the deadly mental illness.

The Federal Government yesterday announced patients fighting eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binging will get access to 60 taxpayer-funded medical appointments from next November.

The Medicare Benefits Scheme item, will cost of $110.7 million over four years and include 40 psychological and 20 dietic sessions annually.

The announcement of government funding has been met with thanks by a number of mental health services including the Butterfly Foundation which supports Australians living with eating disorders.

“This breakthrough means we have taken another step in the right direction when it comes to the treatment of eating disorders,” foundation CEO Christine Morgan said.

“It means our government is listening to the personal experiences of Australians in order to inform policy.

Hobart mother Rebecca Kirkland, who relocated to Sydney to access around-theclock support for her daughter who was suffering an eating disorder, said the new subsidy was a huge step forward.

“Fortunately we were in a position where we could afford treatment, but I know for many families that care just can’t be afforded,” Ms Kirkland said.

“This funding is the most exciting thing that’s happened for eating disorder sufferers and I think Tasmania can really benefit.”

The subsidy could benefit up to 30,000 people a year.