Optum Rx, a UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) company specializing in pharmacy care services, has announced the launch of Optum Rx Weight Engage, a new program designed to provide comprehensive weight management and wellness support. This initiative aims to offer robust United Health Care Weight Loss Programs to plan sponsors and employers, becoming available to their consumers starting January 1, 2024.
Recognizing the increasing need for effective and affordable weight management solutions, Optum Rx Weight Engage is structured to assist employers, health plans, and their beneficiaries with a holistic approach to improve health outcomes and manage healthcare coverage effectively. A key focus of these United Health Care weight loss programs is to address the rising costs associated with weight loss medications, some of which now exceed $10,000 annually.
“Optum Rx Weight Engage delivers clinically sound programs that encourage wellness and enhance health for consumers, alongside offering solutions for our clients to better manage drug spending,” stated Dr. Patrick Conway, CEO of Optum Rx. “We are committed to reducing drug costs while simultaneously supporting our clients in addressing significant population health needs and consumer demand through comprehensive solutions.”
The program begins with an evaluation of client coverage objectives to tailor programs that integrate clinical and provider network resources with patient monitoring, motivation, and support tools. The provider-guided track of these United Health Care weight loss programs will connect individuals with obesity management specialists, ensuring access to clinically appropriate treatment pathways. For those preferring a more self-directed approach, a consumer-driven program offers live, interactive coaching, pairing patients with health coaches to facilitate wellness support and the achievement of weight loss goals.
Clients can customize program elements to best suit their specific needs and the preferences of their consumers. Individuals can access different program components based on their personal choices, whether they prefer engaging with a live coach or utilizing a digital platform for support within these United Health Care weight loss programs.
A crucial aspect of the Weight Engage program is its emphasis on supporting consumers in navigating their unique benefit coverage. This includes access to a specialized provider network for clinical inquiries and needs, along with readily available coaching and lifestyle programs. These core components are foundational to this new obesity management program and will inform future programs aimed at assisting clients and consumers with medication and healthcare management. Optum, leveraging its expertise in pharmacy, health, and data analytics, is uniquely positioned to deliver these comprehensive solutions to its clientele seeking effective United Health Care weight loss programs.
Optum Rx Weight Engage highlights the company’s ongoing dedication to creating greater value in pharmacy services for all stakeholders in healthcare—including pharmacies, plan sponsors, clients, members, and patients. This commitment is part of a broader strategy to provide people with more affordable access to prescription medications and therapies, ultimately aiming to lower costs, improve care quality, and enhance the member experience.
About Optum Rx
Optum Rx, the pharmacy care business of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), is dedicated to providing individuals with more affordable access to prescription medications and therapies. Through clinical expertise and integrated data and analytics, Optum Rx offers a full spectrum of pharmacy services designed to simplify the pharmacy experience for consumers, clients, and partners. The goal is to deliver improved experiences, better health outcomes, and a lower total cost of care. Optum Rx is a part of Optum, a leading health services business focused on improving the healthcare system for everyone. For further details, please visit optum.com/optumrx or follow Optum Rx on LinkedIn.
