updated 12-27-2024
If you haven’t been in the office the past few months, you may be shocked to learn that in 2025, we are stepping away from health insurance and moving to a direct pay model. This decision wasn’t made lightly.
The field of obesity medicine and health insurance has shifted significantly. Many health insurance plans specifically exclude treatment of excess weight.
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.
Q: Will Heartland Weight Loss accept any 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: 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: Health insurance plans often allow you to submit claims for potential out-of-network reimbursement. We are happy to provide you with an itemized receipt to do this – simply ask us at the time of your appointment or through your portal. We cannot guarantee payment as many plans for 2025 have weight loss exclusions, but we will certainly do what we can to help you.
Q: Can I continue to use my insurance for prescriptions and labs?
Answer: Yes! Coverage for medications and labs exists independent of the providers ordering them. However, as many plans specifically exclude anti-obesity medications, we encourage you to check your benefits before assuming your insurance will contribute.
Q: Can I do telehealth appointments?
Answer: Depends. Some anti-obesity medications in the state of Kansas require you to be seen in person before the prescription can be written. We don’t love this either, but it’s the law. If you prefer telehealth visits, please check with us if that will work for your treatment plan.
Q: Does Heartland Weight Loss offer any discounts?
Answer: Yes, we are excited to offer a “Bring a Partner” discount, which provides a 10% discount for people who are billed jointly. We believe patients are more successful when they have an accountability partner, and this discount makes it easier to share the wellness journey.
Q: Are there any new services available?
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. In addition, we are adding small group coaching sessions tailored to perimenopausal and menopausal women. If you would like more information on this group, please fill out this form for information and to join the waitlist.
We understand that change can be frustrating. The decision to leave insurance was made in reaction to systemic changes in health insurance that we don’t agree with – but that we have no power to change. Rather than continue to be a part of a systemic problem, we need to stay focused on what matters most: the overall health and well-being of the people we serve.
If you have further questions, please call us at 913-620-1616 or email scheduling@heartlandweightloss.com