Have a question?
We’ve tried to answer several of the most commonly asked questions about the Medical Weight Loss program. If you have one that isn’t answered here, call Health Care Advisor at 1-800-357-1371 if you’re eligible for UnitedHealth Group benefits.
Call Benefits Advocate at 844-585-1466 for UHC Plans or Surest Flex Copay Plan members contact 855-472-7778 if you’re eligible for OptumCare benefits.
Medical Weight Loss, a virtual care program, is available to UnitedHealth Group employees and their spouse or domestic partner who are enrolled in an eligible medical plan and have a BMI* of 27.5 or greater.
Eligible UnitedHealth Group medical plans include HSA Plans (Low Premium Plan and Low-Deductible Plan), Accountable Care Plan, Charter Copay Plan, M Health Fairview Primary Care Plan, WellMed 1st Tier Plan, Choice Transition, Hawaii PPO, and Surest Flex Copay.
OptumCare eligible plans include HSA Plan, Accountable Care Plan, Doctors Plan, OptumCare NE Plan, OptumCare EPO Plan and Surest Flex Copay Plan.
*Your BMI (Body Mass Index) is an estimated measurement of your overall body fat level based on your height and weight. BMI calculated results do not reflect body fat directly as some body types and activity levels can vary, but show general population categorizations based on CDC recommended formulas for underweight, normal, overweight or obese ranges. Click here to learn more or calculate your BMI. BMI program requirements may differ based on unique health considerations of certain ethnic backgrounds.
If you live within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, you may choose to receive in-person care at one of our on-site employee clinics (the Well). Talk with Health Care Advisor during your initial call or with your Medical Weight Loss care team to learn more about this option.
For UnitedHealth Group employees* and their eligible spouse or domestic partner located in North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina or Tennessee, you may choose to enroll in the Weight Management Program at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and work with a community care team virtually. This program is available in-person at North Carolina locations only. These providers are not part of the Optum Medical Weight Loss program, but the benefit is similar, and is covered as part of your UnitedHealth Group health plan. Costs of participation are subject to applicable coinsurance, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Speak to a Health Care Advisor at 800-357-1371 for more information. If you’re interested in this option, learn more about Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist UnitedHealth Group Weight Management Program and get started by completing a registration form (available on the site).
* Note that this program is not available to members on an OptumCare medical plan
Costs of participation are subject to applicable coinsurance/copays, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. See your plan’s Summary Plan Description (SPD) for details.
Get the enrollment process started by calling Health Care Advisor at 800-357-1371.
While every patient has a different weight loss journey, we’re proud of the numbers that our Medical Weight Loss participants have achieved. The latest data shows that during the first year, about 86% program participants lost weight and 65% lost 5% or more of their body weight.
After 18 months, half of our patients that continue to engage in the program achieved more than 10% weight loss, for an average of 12.3% weight loss.
This program is personalized for you. For the initial 12 months, you will have an increased number of appointments with your care team to help you build healthy habits. Following the initial 12 months, you will have the opportunity to continue to meet with your care team on a regular basis to maintain your weight loss and healthy habits. Maintenance can continue for as long as you would like.
Your team will be made up of the following:
- Medical provider
- Well-being coach
- Case manager
- Care navigator
During your initial visit, the care team will help you find a location near you to complete your labs. You will be able to contact the lab and schedule your appointment for a time that is convenient for you.
You can also provide labs you’ve had completed within the last three months to your are team.
- Metformin
- Phentermine
- Topiramate
- Bupropion
- Naltrexone
- And more, depending on your body’s unique needs
The prescriptions highlighted on this website are covered under your health insurance plan. If your provider suggests other medications you may benefit from, we will help you determine if they’re covered within your health plan.
By enrolling in Medical Weight Loss, you may be eligible to earn rewards through Rewards for Health*. You must be enrolled in an eligible medical plan and complete a visit with your Medical Weight Loss provider (MD or Advanced Practitioner).
For more information contact Health Care Advisor at 1-800-357-1371.
*Rewards for Health is available to employees enrolled in an eligible UnitedHealth Group medical plan, including the HSA Plans (Low-Deductible Plan and Low-Premium Plan), Accountable Care Plan, Charter Copay Plan, M Health Fairview Primary Care Plan, Surest Flex Copay Plan, and WellMed 1st Tier Plan. Rewards earned are based on the actions of the employee and covered spouse/domestic partner. This does not include child dependents. To receive the reward you must be employed and enrolled in an eligible medical plan at the time of the reward funding.
While bariatric surgery is not a part of the Medical Weight Loss program, if you and your provider determine it is the best option for you, we can connect you to Optum Bariatric Resource Services (BRS). They will provide care guidance and offer one-on-one support before and after surgery. Engagement in Medical Weight Loss for a minimum of three months qualifies as a physician-monitored nutritional program that is required for bariatric surgery.