Weight Care+ Membership FAQ

In this article:


How long will it take to get my prescription?

Prescriptions are sent to your local pharmacy. The time it takes the pharmacy to fill your individual prescription varies based on your pharmacy. Most orders are filled within 2 business days.

Virtual care for Weight Care+ involves ongoing visits or check-ins with a healthcare provider. During your first visit, your provider will review and evaluate your medical history including any appropriate lab testing that may be relevant to determining if weight loss medication may be for you. Your provider will discuss your personal health and weight-related goals, and help you design a personalized care plan. In addition to lifestyle recommendations, your care plan may include a prescription for weight loss medication. Once you begin the medication, you'll have monthly check-ins with your provider, who will review your weight loss progress, assess your medication tolerance, recommend follow-up lab testing or prescription refills, and adjust your care plan as needed.

Visit our Weight Care+ page to learn more or get started.

What is a GLP-1? 

GLP-1s are medications that work by regulating your appetite to reduce the amount of food you eat. Studies have shown they can reduce weight by up to 15-20% in many people who take them for a year or longer, when combined with healthy lifestyle choices.

GLP-1s make you feel full longer, curb food cravings, and help your body process sugars more efficiently (source). This is why these drugs are often prescribed and used for the management of type 2 diabetes or obesity.

These medications are sometimes used along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management. Some GLP-1 medications are also used in patients with diabetes to help with blood sugar management.

Weight loss isn’t about willpower. There are biological factors that impact your metabolism, hunger, and weight that are outside of your control.

  • Semaglutide (Wegovy®, RYBELSUS®, Ozempic®)
  • Liraglutide (Saxenda®)
  • Dulaglutide (Trulicity®)
  • Tirzepatide (Mounjaro® or Zepbound®)

Your provider will assess your health needs to determine if medication is best suited for you. They will answer any questions about GLP-1s you have during your initial consult.

Source: National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Semaglutide improves cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with overweight or obesity: STEP 1 and 4 exploratory analyses. E-published October 28, 2022.

Who is eligible to take weight loss medication?

While prescriptions are not guaranteed for all patients, you may be eligible for a prescription for weight loss medication if you are between 18-74 years old and your healthcare provider determines that you meet certain criteria, such as weight and specific associated health conditions.

Your BMI must be ≥25.

Who should not take GLP-1 prescription weight loss medication?

You may not be eligible for a GLP-1 prescription if you meet any of the following criteria:

  • Currently pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant in the next year
    • Note: If you have given birth in the past 6 months, a clearance letter from the OB/GYN will be required prior to a prescription being provided.
  • Family or personal history of medullary thyroid cancer
  • Family or personal history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
  • Active eating disorder or history of eating disorder (bulimia, anorexia, etc.)
  • Current diagnosis of cancer, currently being treated for cancer or cancer that is in remission for <5 years.
  • Active opioid, drug or alcohol misuse
  • Suicidal thoughts or past attempts
  • Current diagnosis of or history of pancreatitis
  • Organ transplant or immunosuppressive therapy
  • Severe gastrointestinal diseases
  • End-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis
  • End-stage liver disease (cirrhosis)
  • Unmanaged Diabetes with an HbA1c >10
  • Type 2 Diabetes with Insulin use
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Type 1 Diabetes

What is the cost of Weight Care+?

The Weight Care+ program costs $99 a month with an initial 12-month commitment or $139 a month with an initial 3-month commitment. This includes ongoing regular virtual consults with a clinician, writing and renewing GLP-1 prescriptions (if applicable), expert help navigating insurance for prescription coverage and digital features within the Everlywell app.

Note that the following items are not included in the program fee, and their cost may vary depending on insurance coverage:

Lab Testing: Lab testing is not required before your provider prescribes GLP-1 weight loss medication. However, labs are recommended for those starting a GLP-1. You can upload your recent or recommended lab results as long as they were completed in the past 24 months. Recommended labs may include a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), hemoglobin A1c, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and a lipid panel. You can work with Quest or another lab of your choice directly to determine cash pay costs or if coverage is available through your insurance plan. The cost of lab testing through insurance varies based on your insurance coverage and the labs near you.

Medication (based on insurance coverage): Your clinical care team will work with you to identify the most affordable and effective medication based on your health needs and insurance coverage. With insurance, GLP-1 prescriptions are typically more affordable, but your exact cost will depend on your insurance plan. If you are uninsured, underinsured, or if the medication is not covered by your insurance, your provider may be able to help you find a prescription discount card. If you are unable to use insurance or a discount card, GLP-1 prescription medication costs may range from $900 to $1,400 for a one-month supply. Everlywell does not directly sell GLP-1 or other medications and we do not prescribe compounded GLP-1 medications. Prescriptions can be filled at the pharmacy of your choice.

Are virtual visits for Weight Care+ covered by insurance?

Virtual visits for Weight Care+ are not currently covered by insurance. However, some insurance plans may cover other costs related to weight loss treatment, such as lab testing and prescription weight loss medication.

Is GLP-1 covered by insurance?

GLP-1 medication may be covered by your insurance plan. If needed, your clinician can help you navigate the prior authorization process. We will use your insurance information to help find affordable prescription options for you.

Is lab testing required for this program?

Prescribing a GLP-1 does not require any baseline labs. Glucose testing at baseline for patients with diabetes may be recommended. Recommended labs could include a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), hemoglobin A1c, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and a lipid panel. These labs may also be recommended periodically to monitor how your body is responding to the medication.

Where can I get the initial lab testing done?

You may have initial lab test results through Questhealth.com. If not, your provider will direct you to have your lab testing performed at your nearest Quest laboratory. Additionally, if you have completed the required lab testing in the past 24 months, you can upload them for your clinician to review.

What additional conditions are supported as part of the program?

Additional conditions are not supported as part of this weight loss program. However, if conditions are detected while you are in the program, your clinician will work with you to recommend next steps, as needed.

How much weight can you lose with GLP-1 medication? 

Weight loss results vary depending on your starting weight, medical conditions, lifestyle changes, and type of weight loss medication. Many people who take GLP-1 medications for a 68 to 72-week period or longer have reported losing up to 15% or 20% of their starting body weight, when combined with healthy lifestyle choices.

What happens if my BMI falls below 22? 

If your BMI falls below 22, you may no longer need GLP-1 medications and your insurance may no longer cover them. In this scenario, your healthcare provider will reevaluate whether you can continue on the program.

What are age restrictions for visits? 

At this time, only patients aged 18 up to 73 are eligible for Weight Care+.

What kinds of providers are available?

Your licensed board-certified nurse practitioners are qualified to prescribe medication, order lab tests, and assess your symptoms and health goals to create a customized care plan for you.

Will I get to choose the provider I schedule an appointment with? 

Yes, you can choose from the available providers licensed in your state when scheduling your appointment.

Will I be able to speak to the same provider during follow-up visits?

In most cases, you can expect to speak with the same provider. However, this cannot be guaranteed and depends on provider availability.

How will my information be kept private?

Our services are HIPAA-compliant and follow privacy guidelines. We use industry-leading technology to ensure your personal information is kept safe and confidential.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

The Everlywell Weight Care+ program requires a 3-month or 12-month commitment, depending on your plan. In certain extenuating circumstances, we will offer a refund or early cancellation:

  • If you are not eligible for the program based on factors that come to light during or after the first virtual consult, you may cancel immediately but will not receive a refund for prior charges.
  • If your insurance will not cover medication or if medication is too costly for you to proceed with the program, we will allow you to cancel immediately but will not refund prior program charges.

If you have questions or would like to request a refund or cancellation, please contact our Customer Care team at wcsupport@everlywell.com.

What if I am denied prior authorization for a GLP-1?

If you are denied prior authorization for GLP-1s, you can pay for them out of pocket. Alternatively, you may be eligible for alternate medications such as naltrexone;bupropion, orlistat, or metformin. Your eligibility will be discussed with and determined by your healthcare provider to help provide the best options for your specific case.

Does Everlywell offer any weight loss medication other than GLP-1s?

You may be eligible for alternate medications such as naltrexone;bupropion, orlistat, or metformin if you are denied prior authorization or are otherwise ineligible for GLP-1s. Your provider will work with you and your insurance company to find the best option for you.

What’s the difference between a GLP-1 medication and other weight loss medications?

GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are commonly referred to as GLP-1s, work by stimulating the hormone GLP-1. This leads to secretion of insulin (which lowers the levels of glucose in the body) and also slows the emptying of the stomach, which keeps people feeling full longer. Synthetic GLP-1 analogs, like the compounds in GLP-1 medications, also have a longer half-life in the body compared to the naturally occurring version.

Other classes of weight loss medications all have unique mechanisms of action that do not necessarily affect the GLP-1 pathway. For example, naltrexone;bupropion is a combination of two drugs, naltrexone and bupropion, that together can help reduce cravings and appetite by acting on the brain and nervous system. We recommend discussing alternative medication options with your healthcare provider to learn about how these medications work and which might be the best for you.

How much weight can you lose with other medications compared to GLP-1s?

Weight loss results vary depending on your starting weight, medical conditions, lifestyle changes, and type of weight loss medication. Many people who take GLP-1 medications for a 68 to 72-week period or longer have reported losing up to 15% or 20% of their starting body weight, when combined with healthy lifestyle choices.

Are there alternatives to GLP-1 drugs for weight loss?

The FDA currently has several medications approved for weight loss that are not GLP-1 agonists, and there are a select few more that clinicians sometimes prescribe off-label for weight loss, if deemed appropriate. We recommend discussing your options with a healthcare provider, who can determine your eligibility and help decide which of these alternative options might be best for you after reviewing your medical history and symptoms.

Do naltrexone;bupropion, orlistat, and metformin support weight loss?

The combination of bupropion and naltrexone together, as well as the drug orlistat alone, are both FDA-approved for use as weight loss medications. The FDA reviews medication efficacy as part of the approval process. Other drugs, such as metformin, have been shown to assist in weight loss in clinical studies, though weight loss is considered an off-label use of the drug (which is approved for use in type 2 diabetes).

It is important to note that weight loss medications are always evaluated in addition to healthy lifestyle changes, which should be made while taking these kinds of drugs.

Note: Not everyone is eligible for GLP-1 medication.*

Note: Not everyone is eligible for GLP-1 medication. Read more about GLP-1 eligibility in our FAQ.*

Average weight loss is based on research in people without diabetes who used semaglutide or tirzepatide, GLP-1 medications, along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, over 68 to 72 weeks or longer.*

Average weight loss is based on research in people without diabetes who used semaglutide or tirzepatide, GLP-1 medications, along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, over 68 or 72 weeks, respectively.*

Prescriptions are subject to your provider's medical discretion. Ozempic ® and Mounjaro ® are only FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes.**

Prescriptions are subject to your provider's medical discretion. Ozempic ® and Mounjaro ® are only FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes.**