updated 11-8-2024
Navigating Change Together
At Heartland Weight Loss, we understand that change can be challenging, especially when it affects your health journey. Our decision to move to a direct-pay model wasn’t made lightly. After careful consideration, we recognized that stepping away from insurance limitations allows us to offer more focused, effective care without compromise.
Our commitment to you remains steadfast, and we’re here to guide you through this transition with support and clarity every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out—our team is here to help.
A Partner in Your Wellness Journey
At Heartland Weight Loss, you are more than just a patient—you’re a valued member of our community. Our new model enhances our ability to provide personalized care that’s tailored to your specific needs and goals. We’re dedicated to being a true partner in your journey, offering evidence-based medical guidance alongside access to top specialists in nutrition, movement, and mental health. Together, we’ll create a wellness path that reflects your unique values and aspirations.
Affordable, Transparent Care Options
We know that the financial aspect of care is significant. Our new plan structure is designed to provide maximum value while remaining as affordable as possible. We’re offering a streamlined monthly plan called FOCUS 2025 priced at $165, with discounts available for six- and twelve-month commitments. This approach allows us to keep costs straightforward, without the hidden fees and limitations that often come with insurance-based care. If you have concerns about the financial transition, let us know; our team can discuss payment options and help you find the best path forward.
Q: Why is Heartland Weight Loss making these changes?
Answer: The field of obesity medicine and health insurance has shifted significantly. By moving to a simplified, direct-pay model focused on medical interventions, we’re able to dedicate more resources directly to patient care and provide a streamlined, personalized experience. These updates allow us to continue delivering high-quality care without the limitations of insurance. Also, we have found more and more plans for 2025 excluding weight loss coverage (check your plan or with your employer).
Q: Will Heartland Weight Loss still accept insurance in 2025?
Answer: No, starting January 1, 2025, we will be out-of-network with all insurance plans. This change is part of our effort to simplify the business and reduce administrative burdens, allowing us to focus fully on patient care.
Q: How do I know this direct-pay model will work for me?
Answer: We understand this is a big change, but our goal with the direct-pay model is to reduce barriers to care and give you more control over your health journey. By focusing on direct patient care without insurance restrictions, we’re able to offer a streamlined, transparent experience that centers on what matters most—your wellness. If you have specific concerns, we’re here to discuss them with you to make sure this model meets your needs. Call us or ask us questions next time you’re in the office.
Q: What does FOCUS 2025 stand for?
Full Optimized Care & Unique Support in 2025. To find out how it compares to your current self-pay plan, visit our 2025 Patient Pricing page
Q: How will I transition to the new direct-pay model if I currently use insurance?
Answer: If you’re currently using insurance to cover your visits, you’ll need to switch to a self-pay plan for 2025. Our team can discuss options with you to ensure a smooth transition. For those choosing not to continue in 2025, we can also assist with a safe, gradual wind-down of care to help minimize any weight regain or disruption. We can also provide contact information for clinics that take insurance.
Q: Will my care be different without insurance?
Answer: Not at all! Our commitment to providing evidence-based, compassionate care remains the same. By moving to a direct-pay model, we’re actually able to spend more time with patients, as we’ll have fewer administrative burdens. This change allows us to focus fully on what’s best for your health and wellness without the limitations of insurance.
Q: Can I still submit the cost to my insurance company?
Answer: Patients can still receive documentation to submit claims for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Ask us at your appointment or through your portal. Please check your plan details, many plans for 2025 have weight loss exclusions .
Q: Can I continue to use my insurance for prescriptions?
Answer: Yes! We will continue to work with you on making sure you have the right medications for your treatment plan.
Q: Can I keep my current plan?
Answer: Yes, if you’re already on a plan that’s been locked in for 2024, you can continue with it. We’ll be grandfathering in current plans for existing patients who wish to stay on them, so there’s no need to make a change if you’re satisfied with your current setup. However, if you cancel, pause, or make changes to your current plan, the only option available after that will be the new FOCUS 2025 care plan at $165 per month.
You’ll continue to work with the same provider you have developed a partnership with. Unfortunately, this does not include Liza for 2025 (see below about nutrition coaching). If you are in the comprehensive plan (2 visits per month), you can continue to see a provider twice a month, or transition to a once a month plan.
Q: How will I transition to the new direct-pay model if I currently use insurance?
Answer: If you’re currently using insurance to cover your visits, you’ll need to switch to a self-pay plan for 2025. Our team can discuss options with you to ensure a smooth transition. For those choosing not to continue in 2025, we can also assist with a safe, gradual wind-down of care to help minimize any weight regain or disruption. We can also provide contact information for clinics that take insurance.
Q: Will I still be able to see the same providers I’ve been seeing?
Answer: Yes!! You’ll continue to work with our experienced medical team and see the same provider you have developed a partnership with. However, sadly, this does not include Liza for 2025. See below about nutrition coaching.
Q: What about the nutrition coaching I’ve been getting?
Answer: As clinicians with advanced obesity training, we’ve witnessed firsthand how vital nutrition, movement, and psychological support are in maintaining weight loss. Although we have training and experience in these areas, our real strength lies in medical care. Liza, who many of you see for nutrition, is qualified in this area but has been balancing numerous responsibilities in our practice. To allow us to focus fully on medical interventions, we will be separating our services from Liza’s in 2025. This will allow her to give you more focused nutrition support while we concentrate on providing the best medical care.
Q: How do I keep seeing Liza?
Liza is launching her separate coaching business, which we happily support. Visit HealingSolutionsNutrition.com for more information and to find out about discounts for HWL patients.
Q: Will Heartland Weight Loss’s new model benefit long-term patients?
Answer: Absolutely! We’ve structured the direct-pay model to support all patients, whether you’re just starting or have been with us for years. By focusing on efficient, streamlined care without insurance limitations, we can continue to enhance your experience and provide the consistent, high-quality care you’ve come to expect.
Q: Can I do telehealth appointments?
Answer: Depends. Some medications in the state of Kansas require you to be seen for a script to be written. If you prefer telehealth visits, please check with us if that will work for your treatment plan.
Q: What happens if I decide to pause or cancel my plan?
Answer: If you decide to pause or cancel your plan, you’ll have the option to re-enroll at any time. However, if you cancel or pause an existing plan, re-enrollment will be at the current rate for the 2025 plan, which may differ from your previous rate. If you’re considering pausing, feel free to discuss options with us to understand the best approach for maintaining continuity in your care.
Q: Will Heartland Weight Loss offer any discounts for bringing a partner?
Answer: Yes, we will introduce a “Bring a Partner” discount, which will be billed jointly and a 10% discount for both partners! We believe patients are often more successful with a partner, and this discount makes it easier to share the wellness journey.
Q: Are you adding online scheduling?
Answer: Yes! This is a new feature in early 2025. Current patients will have access to an online scheduling system. This new feature aims to reduce scheduling friction and make it easier for both patients and staff to manage appointments.
Q: Are there any new services available?
Answer: Yes, based on patient feedback, we are adding small group coaching sessions tailored to perimenopausal and menopausal women, offering additional support and connection. If you would you like more information on this group, please fill out form for information and waitlist.
Q: How will partnerships enhance my care?
Answer: We are expanding partnerships with nutritionists, health coaches, and wellness apps to provide additional resources for comprehensive support. These partnerships ensure that our patients have access to quality resources across all pillars of wellness. Stay tuned for more information!
Q: What is the exercise app included in the FOCUS 2025 plan?
We will offer access in our 2025 plan to the Vitala Health App. This will be completely free and included in the price of the FOCUS 2025 plan.
Q: What online community support is there?
Answer: We’re excited to offer an exclusive, supportive space on our Facebook group just for Heartland Weight Loss patients. In this group, you’ll find a community of individuals who are on similar journeys, sharing insights, tips, and encouragement along the way. Our online community is a place to connect with others facing similar challenges and victories, ask questions and get advice from both peers and our expert team, and receive updates on wellness strategies, new resources, and upcoming events.
Q: If I switch to the new plan, can I decide which additional resources (like nutrition or movement) to use?
Answer: Absolutely! The new model allows you to customize your care based on your personal goals and preferences. We’re here to offer medical guidance, and you’ll have the freedom to select which partner resources you’d like to incorporate into your wellness journey.
Q: How will the small group coaching sessions work?
Answer: Our new small group coaching sessions are designed to create a supportive, empowering space for perimenopausal and menopausal women. Each session focuses on relevant topics, shared experiences, and practical tips. You’ll be able to connect with others facing similar challenges while receiving expert guidance. If you’d like more information or to sign up, please fill out this form or contact our team.
We understand that changes to your care can raise many questions, and we’re committed to answering them openly and fully. If you feel frustrated or unsure, please know that you’re not alone—our entire team is here to listen and provide clarity. The decision to leave insurance was made to improve your experience, eliminating restrictions and allowing us to focus on what matters most: your health. We encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns, and we’ll work with you to make this transition as smooth as possible.
Your health is a lifelong journey, and Heartland Weight Loss is here for the long haul. With our new direct-pay model, we’re creating a sustainable, stable path forward, ensuring that our team can focus on delivering high-quality care without the administrative burden of insurance. This structure not only enhances your experience today but ensures that we can be here to support you for years to come.
If you have further questions, please call us at 913-620-1616 or email scheduling@heartlandweightloss.com