Calibrate is available to UFCW Local 555 members and their dependents for whom the following apply:
- At least 18 years of age
- Have pharmacy benefits coverage through UFCW Local 555's Optum Rx pharmacy plan.
- For Level 2 & 3 plan members: Completion and failed response to step therapy requirements.
- For Level 1 plan members: BMI that’s greater than 30 (or greater than 27 with other metabolic conditions such pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease,
non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea or PCOS).
- Not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant in the next two years.
- Do not have an active substance abuse problem, an active eating disorder (e.g., anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating), cancer, recent bariatric surgery (within the past 18 months),
active gallbladder disease, active type I diabetes mellitus, active type II diabetes mellitus, a history of pancreatitis in the past six months, or a history of medullary thyroid cancer (MEN syndrome)
- Live in the United States
GLP-1 medication is a key component of Calibrate’s virtual weight loss program. Our doctors prescribe a variety of GLP-1s, including semaglutide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide. These GLP-1s are often referred to by their brand name, so you may have heard of these FDA-approved medications as Wegovy®, Ozempic®, or Saxenda®, to name a few.
GLP-1s mimic the effect of GLP-1 hormones naturally produced in the gut. These hormones send signals that affect metabolic function by regulating appetite and digestion to feel full faster and for longer, increasing your energy expenditure and maximizing nutrient absorption. These medications also work to regulate the body’s set point—the weight our bodies fight to maintain—and influence blood sugar response and insulin.
GLP-1 medications are covered by the level 2 & 3 plans for clinically-eligible members with medication copays.
GLP-1 medications are not covered for the level 1 plan. Member's in level 1 are solely responsible for the cost of medication. Monthly out-of-pocket costs can range from $800 to $1,400 per month.
GLP-1 medications include obesity related weight loss medications (such as Wegovy® and Saxenda®). Your copay will depend on your insurance plan and the medication you’re prescribed.
Additionally, you may be eligible to use a manufacturer coupon when filling your medication to further reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
For members in UFCW Local 555's level 2 & 3 plans, in order to be eligible for Calibrate and receive access to weight loss GLP-1 medications, you must first attempt step therapy separate from Calibrate. If step-therapy is unsuccessful, you will be eligible to join Calibrate and obtain GLP-1 medication for weight loss. For more information on the requirements of step therapy, please contact OptumRx help desk at (888) 869-4600.
For members in the level 1 plan, GLP-1 medications are not covered by your plan. As a result, level 1 members do not need to complete step-therapy in order to access Calibrate. The cost of the Calibrate program is covered by the plan, however, level 1 members are responsible for the full cost of medication.
GLP-1 medication is a key component of Calibrate’s virtual weight loss program. Our doctors prescribe a variety of GLP-1s, including semaglutide and dulaglutide. These GLP-1s are often referred to by their brand name, so you may have heard of these FDA-approved medications as Wegovy® or Saxenda®, to name a few.
The Calibrate program is designed to fit into your life, not the other way around. You won’t be asked to make drastic changes. Instead, you’ll have the support of a Medical Team and a Calibrate coach to make small changes to your habits that lead to big results: 18% weight loss on average.
Here’s a summary of what Calibrate requires of members in their program:
- Take medication as advised by the Calibrate Medical Team, and respond to Medical Check-ins via your Calibrate app every few months
- Attend 15-minute biweekly video coaching sessions
- Use the Calibrate app to track daily food, weight, and energy levels
- Read quick and simple lessons, released every two weeks
Prior to your Calibrate doctor visit, our Medical Team requires you to complete lab work to better inform your medical care.
The lab requirements are as follows:
Within 3 months prior to your doctor visit:
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Within 6 months prior to your doctor visit:
- Hemoglobin A1c
- Lipid Panel
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
In addition, we recommend a fasting insulin test and a C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test (also within 6 months prior to your doctor visit), but this isn’t required.
If Calibrate generates the lab order, the required labs as well as a fasting insulin test and a C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test will automatically be included in your lab request.
If you are a new member with labs from the last three months that meet all lab requirements, you should have uploaded these as part of your account setup.
To upload attachments and lab results to a Support Message, log into your Calibrate app:
- Tap the Support tab
- Select Message Support and fill out the required fields
- Select Send an Attachment
- You must first select Send and then you will be prompted to add an attachment (Note: For iPhone users, you can only attach an image from your camera roll. For Android users, you can attach any file or image type)
- Ensure all necessary information is represented in the images
- Once you add an attachment, your message will be sent
GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have been periodically in shortage nationwide since 2021, making it difficult for patients to have consistent access to these medications, or to access them for the first time. We understand it can be concerning to have trouble filling a prescription from your doctor.
Calibrate is fundamentally different from prescription-only services. Medication is just one aspect of our program, and at Calibrate, we use medication as a tool—not the entire treatment. The Calibrate program is built to help your body do the same kind of work that medications like Wegovy and Saxenda do, so the best thing you can do if you’re affected by a shortage is to lean into the program.
If you can’t access your GLP-1 medication because of a shortage, Calibrate will work with you 1:1 to determine appropriate next steps. To ensure continuity of care, this may include changing to a dose that is currently in stock, finding an alternative GLP-1 medication that is covered by your insurance, or tapering off altogether (if clinically indicated).
For more information on medication shortages—as well as helpful tips for anyone experiencing a gap in medication because of a shortage—check out our landing page here.
Yes a smartphone is required to participate in Calibrate. From accessing your curriculum content, to meeting with your doctor or coach, to tracking your goals, the Calibrate Mobile App will be your home base for engaging with Calibrate and getting the most out of your program.
