Frequently Asked Questions
How much does this program cost?
This program is being offered through your benefit plan at no cost to you.
Who makes up my program care team?
You’ll work regularly with a registered dietitian who specializes in weight management. If you’re living with diabetes, your dietitian will also be certified in diabetes care and education. When appropriate, you may also meet with a provider.
How is the program personalized to me?
You’ll have a discussion with your registered dietitian to learn more about you — your preferences, goals and lifestyle. The program supports multiple dietary habits, from low carb to plant-based, and your care team will help you develop a personal nutrition plan that works best for you.
How is the program going to support me?
You’ll have several resources to support you to make these changes, including an educational series within the app that teaches you about the nutritional changes you’ll be making. This includes the key concepts to the dietary habits you choose as well as how to practically apply these concepts to your own life. You’ll have support from your registered dietitian, who has the nutrition expertise to answer dietary questions you may have. They’ll also help you troubleshoot issues, offer support when challenges arise, help keep you accountable and provide the knowledge, tools and support to help make a successful lifestyle change.
How quickly will I see results?
Everyone’s progress will look different and will also depend on the number and combination of changes you commit to. However, if you commit to the nutritional changes recommended by your care team, including providers and registered dietitians, most people will notice measurable changes in their overall health within 12 weeks.1
Does the program just focus on weight?
No. The program focus is on overall health and building healthy habits such as nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle changes.
When should I start making changes?
It’s important that you work with your program’s care team, including providers and registered dietitians, to align on a plan to get started.
Do I have regular appointments with my program’s care team?
You’ll schedule meetings at your convenience with members of your team of clinicians, including providers and registered dietitians, to review your progress and discuss additional guidance to help you achieve your goals. Most members schedule their first assessment within 30 days.
Your team is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How do I communicate with my care team?
The most common way you’ll communicate with your team of clinicians, including providers and registered dietitians, is through the messaging function in the Health Optimizer app. You can message your registered dietitian in the app at any time. Your dietitian will also provide you with a phone number if you would prefer to connect with them over the phone. Depending on circumstances, you could have regular appointments with your provider as well.
Are any devices included in the program?
Yes, all members will be provided a connected digital scale that automatically syncs your biometric information to the Health Optimizer app. You may be eligible for other devices as well depending on your health conditions like a glucose meter or blood pressure monitor. All your device needs will be discussed, reviewed and ordered for you during your first visit with your care team.
How does my care team use my data?
Your care team will have access to data manually entered in the Health Optimizer app you download as part of the program and/or data sent via connected devices. They will review your data to advise on your nutritional needs, make decisions on medication adjustments, help troubleshoot issues that arise and support personal health goals.
Who sees my data?
You’ll have a care team that will support you and guide you on your health journey. They’ll guide you through your wellness journey. And in order to do that, health information may be shared with the care team, such as registered dietitians or clinicians.
Additionally, this information can be shared with your primary care physician (if you supply it to us) and any other provider on your care team.
Of course, we’ll keep your data secure and follow all applicable laws. This data sharing can help improve your care and cut down on duplicate tests or doctor visits that can add to your costs.
Will my information be confidential from my employer?
Yes. Your information is secure and private. No individually identifiable member information, including program participation or prescription medications taken by you or your family member, is shared with your employer.
Do you sell data or any data entered into the app?
No. Member information is never sold nor used for advertising purposes.
Why is lab work required? How are my lab results used?
This program requires labs to:
- Help ensure you are clinically eligible to participate
- Determine if there are certain conditions that would not support success in the program
- Tailor a more personalized approach to your care
- Establish your baseline values and show success within those results or areas of improvement
Do I have to pay for lab work?
Costs are fully covered for labs ordered by the program if conducted at the following participating labs:
- LabCorp
- Quest Diagnostics
- Sonora Quest Labs
If the labs are taken at a different location, you may have additional costs.
I was told my labs were ordered, but I haven’t heard anything/the lab didn’t have my information.
If you have any issues with your lab order, please reach out to your care team.
How are my lab results shared?
The results of the labs will be shared with you, your care team within the program and your primary care physician when applicable.
My schedule does not allow me to get lab work done and I cannot go in the required time. What is going to happen?
If lab work is required, please work with your clinician if you need more time to go complete your labs.
I live far away from the closest lab. How do I get my labs?
Your clinician is able to order labs at a location more convenient for you, but lab costs are only covered if conducted at LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics, or Sonora Quest Labs. If the labs are taken at a different location, they will be billed to your health plan and you may have additional costs.
I had labs done recently. Can I use those?
Yes, as long as the specific set of labs have been done within the necessary time frame (between six months to one year of enrolling in the program). Any missing labs required by the program, or not completed within the required time frame, will still need to be obtained and your care team will work with you to order those.
Frequently Asked Questions: ONLY IF you’re currently on a weight management medication
Do I still need to ask my doctor for prior authorization (PA) for my weight management medication?
Depending on your employer’s plan design, a Prior Authorization may be required for your prescription. Work directly with your doctor who wrote your prescription for support with your Prior Authorization request(s) and renewal(s).
How will you know when I enroll in the program?
Upon successful completion of the eligibility survey in the Health Optimizer app, your program status should be updated in the pharmacy’s system within one-to-three calendar days.
I’m already taking a weight management medication, how will this program help me?
Studies show that combining weight management medication with lifestyle changes — like healthier eating choices and being more active — can improve your weight loss and overall health. And you may be more likely to stick with healthy lifestyle habits long term.1 The goal of this program is to not only improve outcomes while you’re on the medication, but also set you up for success if you decide to get off the medication.
I have enrolled in the program but my medication is not available. Can I still participate in the program?
Supply shortages happen, but it will not impact your ability to participate in the program. If a supply shortage occurs, your clinician can help bridge the gap with lifestyle and nutrition support until your medication is available and ensure you continue to receive the support of the program. You will not be penalized in any way due to a shortage that’s beyond your control.
The cost of my weight management medication at the pharmacy was not what I expected. Does this program have anything to do with it?
Medication costs at the pharmacy can vary from fill to fill for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
- You have a deductible under your plan you still must meet
- Your prescription benefits have changed
- You are not meeting the requirements of your employer’s benefit plan design
If you have questions about your plan benefits—including cost share, deductibles and PA—please visit http://www.caremark.com or call the number on the back of your member ID card.
- https://www.healthline.com/health-news/to-lose-weight-and-keep-it-off-study-finds-lifestyle-changes-and-medications-can-be-crucical#A-third-of-patients-maintained-15%-weight-loss. Accessed November 7, 2024.