Weight Loss and Diabetes Management Support Resources

Coverage is available for wellness nutritional counseling (no underlying chronic condition required) up to a maximum of 26 visits per year. Services must be rendered by a physician, certified nutritionist or certified and registered dietician. Services obtained in-network do not have any member cost sharing requirements.

Coverage is available for up to 8 visits per calendar with a registered or certified dietician. This visit limitation does not apply when the therapy is necessary for the treatment of a mental health or substance use disorder. Diabetic education is covered separately.

Coverage is available for weight loss surgery for those with a diagnosis of morbid obesity, subject to medical guidelines.

The health plan covers certain prescription drugs with prior authorization as required. Visit the Prescription Drug webpage for member cost sharing requirements and covered therapies.

If you have been newly diagnosed with diabetes, or if your physician has diagnosed a significant change in your symptoms or your condition, you can receive education about self-management techniques and diet instruction.  These educational services can be provided by your physician or nurse practitioner during a regular office visit, or by a certified diabetes educator, nutritionist or registered dietician.

Coverage is available through both the medical benefit and the prescription drug benefit for items such as insulin pumps, glucose meters, test strips, syringes, and more.  Members may want to review the benefits available under each option to secure the supplies and equipment needed to manage their diabetes at the lowest out-of-pocket cost.

• Medical benefit: Diabetic supplies and equipment such as insulin pumps, glucose meters (including continuous blood glucose monitor transmitters), test strips and syringes are covered when purchased from a network provider of durable medical equipment (limited coverage may be available for out-of-network providers).

Insulin pumps and supplies, including continuous glucose monitors, require prior approval through Excellus BCBS – this must be completed by your provider.

• Prescription drug benefit: Insulin, insulin pumps and related supplies, non-insulin diabetic medications (e.g., metformin), Glucagon, blood glucose meters, diabetic supplies (lancets, lancing devices, alcohol swabs, test strips), insulin syringes and injecting devices (pens) are covered subject to the formulary listing of preferred drugs.

Coverage is available for routine foot care for individuals with severe systemic disorders. Coverage is only available for foot orthotics if they are determined to be medically necessary. Services or supplies for orthopedic shoes or shoe inserts are not covered.

Coverage is available under the medical plan for routine eye exams, as well as diabetic eye exams. If you are enrolled in the VSP vision care plan, coverage is available for exams and prescription lenses (glasses or contacts), with additional benefits through the Diabetic Eyecare Plus Program.  Ask your participating VSP provider to evaluate whether these benefits are appropriate for your ophthalmological condition.

Enrolled faculty and staff have unlimited access to Excellus BCBS Member Care Management services and care at no cost. Excellus BCBS can provide support and education for members with chronic or complex health conditions, or provide answers to more general health questions.

Contact Excellus BCBS at:

• Member Care Management for Chronic and Complex Conditions
  • 1.800.860.2619
  • Case.management.referral@excellus.com
• Behavioral Health Management
  • 1.800.277.2198

For questions on medical benefits or programs, please contact the Excellus BCBS dedicated customer care team at 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220) Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST. For questions regarding prescription drug benefits, please contact Optum Rx Member Services at 866.854.2945 (TTY: 711).

Full Plate Living follows the principles of adding more whole plant-based foods to your diet. One of the keys to success of the Full Plate Living program is to have plenty of fiber. Full Plate Living is not a diet, it’s a change in your eating habits for a better life.

Full Plate Living Nutrition Programs are available at no cost. Visit the Full Plate website for more information and to join for free.

Fooducate is a personal grocery advisor, helping people make healthy food choices for their families. The app offers:

• Personalized weight-loss plans
• Ingredient-level product analysis
• Huge food, restaurant, and recipe database

Fooducate’s nutrition app is available online and for iPhone and Android mobile devices.

MyPlate is the modern way to eat better every day. It’s easy to use, customizable, based on science, and an overall great way to enjoy healthier eating.   

MyPlate has a variety of free tools and resources to meet your unique needs. Some examples are:

• MyPlate Plan: personalized based on your age, height, weight, and other basic factors. It is available in English and Spanish.
• Start Simple mobile app: lets you set daily food goals and track progress in real-time.
• Shop Simple tool: offers cost-saving tips and suggestions for preparing delicious, healthy meals on a budget.