Does blue cross blue shield cover weight loss programs

Helping you eat right and stay active

An estimated one in three American adults are obese. We’re committed to helping you eat healthy and get active so you can enjoy a healthier life.

• Understand Your Weight
• Health Risks
• Manage Your Weight
• Helpful Programs

Understand Your Weight

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Your BMI compares your weight in relation to your height to determine if it’s within a healthy range.

Obesity impacts our nation’s health and economy

1 in 3 adults & 1 in 5 children are obese

$147 billion spent annually on obesity-related care

Health Risks

A BMI of 18.5 to 25 decreases your risk of:

A healthy weight affects your day-to-day life:

Manage Your Weight

If your BMI is 30 or higher, losing just 3% to 5% of your total weight is enough to start to see positive health changes.

Healthy Eating

• Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits & vegetables, whole grains, fiber, healthy fats, smaller portions and no sugary drinks

• Aim to stop eating when you feel full instead of cleaning your plate each time

• Practice mindful eating compared to eating in front of a TV or while on a phone

Physical Activity

• Talk to your doctor about an exercise routine that makes sense for your health

• At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week is recommended

• Your doctor may start you with a more simple routine like taking walks once a day

Positive Attitude

• Instead of being critical about your weight, encourage any healthy behaviors and the things you are doing right

Helpful Programs

These programs can help you manage your weight.

Wellness Incentive Program 

Get a personalized action plan and track progress toward your health goals. Eligible Standard and Basic Option members* can earn up to $170 after completing their Blue Health Assessment and three goals with the Online Health Coach.

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Routine Annual Physical Incentive Program

FEP Blue Focus members can get rewarded for having their annual physical every year. Choose from several rewards like a four-month gym membership, a personalized nutrition plan and more.

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Blue365® Discounts

Get access to handpicked deals on your favorite national health and wellness brands. Save on everything from gym memberships to exercise apparel and family care to nutrition. 

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Nutritional Counseling

Connect with a registered dietician who can evaluate your nutritional needs and help you develop personalized meal plans—all from your phone or computer. These virtual visits are covered in full for all Service Benefit Plan members.

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*You must be the contract holder or spouse, 18 or older, and enrolled in Standard or Basic Option to earn incentive rewards. 

Enjoy low-cost gym memberships nationwide

With Blue365®, you can achieve your personal fitness goals on your budget. Pay a discounted membership rate at thousands of participating fitness locations across the U.S.

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Coming in 2023: Anti-obesity prescription coverage

In addition to good nutrition and physical activity, many FDA-approved anti-obesity medications can help reduce weight by at least 5%. Starting next year, FEP will be covering anti-obesity drug prescriptions for Service Benefit Plan members who meet eligibility criteria and get prior approval.

FEP also covers procedures to treat morbid obesity. For members 18 and over with a BMI 40 or higher or a BMI 35 or higher with one or more comorbidities, benefits are available for the following procedures:

• Roux-en-Y
• Gastric bypass
• Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
• Sleeve gastrectomy
• Biliopancreatic bypass with duodenal switch

Note: Prior approval is required for surgery for morbid obesity. Please review our plan brochures for more information.

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