Kentucky House passes bill to curb BMI-only denials for eating-disorder care

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky House of Representatives on Tuesday approved House Bill 169, as amended, changing how insurers may evaluate coverage for eating-disorder treatment by barring BMI as the sole determinant for denial.

The sponsor, the gentleman from Jefferson 48, told colleagues the bill “addresses eating disorders” and that the measure makes clear BMI may not be the sole reason to deny coverage. “You have to have at least BMI and another factor in order to continue the coverage from the insurance company,” the sponsor said, adding mental-health conditions such as depression or anxiety can be the additional factor.

Representative from Jefferson 34 asked for clarification on whether BMI would be removed entirely or must be paired with another clinical indicator. The sponsor responded that the bill requires both a BMI threshold and at least one accompanying mental-health or clinical factor to sustain coverage, citing examples such as depression and family-related issues that affect eating and weight.

The House called the question and recorded 95 members voting aye and no members voting nay; House Bill 169, as amended by House Committee Substitute 1, was declared passed and the clincher was applied.

Why it matters: Advocates and clinicians have long argued that BMI alone can misclassify the clinical need for eating-disorder treatment. Supporters told the House the amendment ensures insurers consider mental-health indicators along with physical measurements before denying care.

The bill now moves on the legislative process as required by chamber rules.