What is the Vida Medical Prescribing Service?

The Vida Medical Prescribing Service is available to members enrolled in one of Vida’s chronic condition or weight loss management programs (including Whole Health or the Medical Weight Loss programs) who would benefit from working with a prescribing provider.

What’s should I expect from the Medical Weight Loss experience?

It’s a fast start and medically supervised from the beginning. We want to honor your commitment to lose significant weight to improve your health.

First you’ll download the Vida app and fill out some questions. You’ll join the program and select your registered dietitian. Schedule your first appointment, so it is in your calendar. In the first few days of the program, Vida asks you to fill out several forms in the app. These ask about your health conditions, contact info, primary care provider and contact info, and weight history. We also ask you to confirm your weight. Plan on about 30 minutes to fill out the forms and provide your doctor information. Remember, you deserve this focus on your health.

You’ll attend your first 30-min video call with your Vida dietitian. You can then order a smart weight scale shipped to your home. Stand up on the scale regularly to power your weight loss.

For medical safety, we ask you to share recent lab results, from your most recent visit with your primary care doctor. If any are missing, we write a lab order for you. You go to a lab and get the tests.

Once those results are in the Vida system, you are able to schedule a call with your Vida medical provider. In that call, the clinician confirms your medical information and talks about recommended treatment for you. You start treatment, which may or may not include medicine at first.

We ask you to weigh in at least weekly, keep filling out check-in forms, meet weekly at first with your dietitian or coach, and attend all scheduled medical appointments. You must fill out required check-in forms, log your weight, attend sessions, respond to provider messages in the app, and get re-check labs  in order to continue receiving monthly refill prescriptions.

What if I miss a session? 

We know sometimes life gets busy. We ask you to reschedule 24 hours or more in advance if something comes up and you can’t make a session. And to message your provider or Support if an unplanned situation means you have to miss a session.

Keep in mind that if you start weight loss medicine and tolerate it, you must avoid skipping doses. If you do, you won’t get the maximum effects and may have to start over. That wastes time and money.

How long is the program?

We work with you for up to 2 years, as long as you are eligible for the Vida benefit, are participating as required, and telehealth treatment is right for you. That is because we aim with you for significant and stable weight loss, and on-target blood pressure and cholesterol, so that you reduce the risk of heart, brain, kidney, type 2 diabetes and other weight-related problems.

What happens if I don’t meet Vida’s target within the timeframe? Will they stop my prescription?

By “target,” you seem to be  asking about a weight loss goal during your first year of the  program. There may be clinical safety reasons to stop a prescription. But as long as you participate fully, we are here to provide treatment that’s right for you.

If you start a weight loss medicine with Vida and your body tolerates it, the goal is to get to significant weight loss and health improvements that are stable. In other words, results and good value from the efforts you’ll make and the cost of the medicine. You’ll be asked to make nutrition and exercise changes, get lab tests, weigh in regularly,  participate in video calls with Vida providers, build  skills, fill out health check-in forms, and stay in communication with your Vida providers to keep getting prescriptions. So your participation is required.

Keep in mind that not all people in the Vida Medical Weight Loss program start a medicine. Many participants start to see results from making focused changes in eating and exercise.. Being in the program means that your treatment is medically supervised, so that we can adjust it together to get results.

In fact, results that last are part of the Vida experience. Once you get the desired and stable weight loss and health improvements, you and your provider will have a conversation about what’s right for ongoing treatment. You’ll talk about the pros and cons of continuing any medicine.

The Medical Weight Loss program is designed to figure out—with you—what works best to help you achieve a clinically significant amount of weight loss while treating obesity. That includes improving  high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and prediabetes—if your body is dealing with those health risks.

Why is Fortune Brands Innovations using Vida Health as the sole prescriber for weight loss medications?

Weight loss medication is a powerful tool for those seeking to achieve significant weight loss. But these medications are complex and are most effective for long-term success when paired with lifestyle changes. Vida Health offers support for these changes through health coaching, an easy to use app, and access to medical providers who can help prescribe and help manage side effects, so the medication works the best it can for those who need it.

What if I was taking weight loss medication before October 1, 2024?

If you are currently taking a prescription weight loss medication, you will be required to enroll in Vida and be prescribed this medication by a Vida provider before January 1, 2025 for this medication to continue to be covered under your Fortune Brands Innovation pharmacy benefits.

If you are working with another provider to obtain your prescription and would like the medication to be covered by your pharmacy benefits in 2025, you will need to download the Vida Health app, enroll in Vida, and be assessed by a Vida provider to determine if you are approved for a prescription.

What if I am prescribed a weight loss medication for the first time after October 1, 2024?

After October 1, 2024, you will be required to enroll in Vida Health and be prescribed this weight loss medication by a Vida provider for this medication to be covered under your Fortune Brands Innovation pharmacy benefit. To enroll in Vida, please sign up at www.vida.com/fortunebrands or call 833-732-2242.

I’m already working with a physician, and I’m concerned about moving to a new medical provider that I don’t know or have a trusting relationship with. How does my Vida provider work with my regular doctor?

Your medical weight loss treatment with a Vida medical provider is in addition to the care you already receive from your current doctor or primary care provider.

Your Vida provider focuses on obesity treatment. Your primary care provider is responsible for all other aspects of your healthcare. This includes services such as in-office visits, preventive mammograms and prostate exams, vaccinations, follow-ups after emergency care and planned surgeries, and care for conditions other than obesity/overweight.

Your Vida medical provider is a licensed doctor or nurse-practitioner who can write lab orders that are used in obesity treatment, review the results, and prescribe weight loss medicines to directly treat obesity. These providers can also prescribe basic blood pressure and cholesterol drugs. They follow your health plan’s drug coverage formulary. They’re not in charge of all your medical care.

If you are being evaluated for or are preparing for bariatric surgery, Vida will work with your surgical team to ensure that needed weight loss medicines are prescribed.

We encourage you to share your primary care provider name, clinic, phone, and fax number with Vida. And to consent to Vida sending info to your PCP, so your records are up to date. With your consent, Vida will send an after-visit summary by secure fax to your PCP. The after-visit summary may include lab results or other clinical findings of concern and medicines that your Vida provider starts, adjusts, or discontinues.

I’m taking a GLP-1 medication for a different condition, for example to manage A1C or cholesterol, not weight loss. Do I need to do anything?

No, this change is related to prescription weight loss medications and used for weight loss, not as treatment for another condition such as diabetes.

I need to get my medication refilled now and I’m not set up with Vida.

Getting started with Vida is easy. Please go to www.vida.com/fortunebrands to enroll. In the meantime, you can refill your medication through your prescribing physician until the end of the year.

While the change to Vida as our Center of Excellence occurred on October 1st, anyone currently receiving a weight loss prescription has until December 31st to make these changes to move your prescription and get enrolled with Vida.

What if I already had my labwork done this year. Why would you ask me to get bloodwork re-done?

Associates are able to upload and share recent lab results with Vida. We’ll look at those first, to see if we have what’s needed to create your treatment plan. Medically professionals cannot safely prescribe treatment and medicine without reviewing lab tests. If a result is too old or some results are missing we’ll write a lab order for you to get new results. For the lab services, you will be responsible for any deductible amount, copayment, or co-insurance based on your health plan coverage.

Do I have to use a certain lab for bloodwork, if needed?

Quest is the preferred lab for bloodwork, but you can have your bloodwork done anywhere you choose.

Members will communicate with their care team on what lab they’d like to use for lab work that may be prescribed.

I am already working with Vida on a different program – can I continue my current Vida program and enroll in the weight loss program?

You can only be enrolled in one Vida Program at a time. If you are already enrolled in another program, your Vida coach will complete an assessment for the Medical Weight Loss Program. After that assessment is completed, you and your coach will discuss next steps in your health journey.

How does my Vida provider work with my regular doctor?

Your medical weight loss treatment with a Vida medical provider is in addition to the care you already receive from your current doctor or primary care provider.

Your Vida provider focuses on obesity treatment. Your primary care provider is responsible for all other aspects of your healthcare. This includes services such as in-office visits, preventive mammograms and prostate exams, vaccinations, follow-ups after emergency care and planned surgeries, and care for conditions other than obesity/overweight.

Your Vida medical provider is a licensed doctor or nurse-practitioner who can write lab orders that are used in obesity treatment, review the results, and prescribe weight loss medicines to directly treat obesity. These providers can also prescribe basic blood pressure and cholesterol drugs. They follow your health plan’s drug coverage formulary. They’re not in charge of all your medical care.

If you are being evaluated for or are preparing for bariatric surgery, Vida will work with your surgical team to ensure that needed weight loss medicines are prescribed.

If I get a new medicine prescribed by Vida, how do I send my prescription to my pharmacy?

After active engagement in Vida’s Medical Weight Loss Program, members can partake in thoughtful discussions and assessments for prescribing support.  If a Vida medical provider recommends anti-obesity medications to support your weight loss goals, prescriptions will be submitted electronically to a pharmacy of your choice. It can be a local pharmacy or a mail-order pharmacy, depending on the type of medication being prescribed. The Vida medical provider will ask you which pharmacy you prefer.

How often will I meet with my prescriber?

You’ll have an initial consultation with your prescriber to assess your medication needs and a follow-up visit to review progress. Additional visits depend on your situation and can be scheduled as needed. You also have the option to message your prescriber within the Vida app on an unlimited basis.

Can I communicate with my prescriber outside of a scheduled appointment?

Yes! You’ll be able to send messages to your prescriber at any time. Response times from providers are usually within 1-2 days, but often the same day.

Will the Fortune Brand medical plan cover the cost of my anti-obesity prescription?

Anti-obesity medications may be covered by your medical plan after any applicable deductibles and cost sharing if you are a Fortune Brands Innovations associate, spouse or dependent 18+ located in the US and enrolled in a BCBS medical plan and are prescribed the medication by a Vida medical prescriber.

The Fortune Brand pharmacy benefit under the medical plan will not cover prescriptions written by non-Vida prescribers for those enrolled in a BCBS medical plan.

What if I stop the program, or need to pause the program, can I and how do I restart?

If you need to pause the program, please contact your Vida Care Team members. That way, you can discuss options so you don’t lose the benefits of treatment that you’ve started. We also help people safely stop weight loss treatment, when appropriate. Some reasons for stopping include a new health condition, becoming pregnant, or other factors that make medical weight loss in a telehealth program unsafe.

What happens if my pharmacy is unable to process or refill my prescription?

Please contact your Vida prescriber through the chat screen in the Vida app. If you need further assistance, you can also contact support@vida.com.

What is Vida Health?

Vida is a digital platform that offers personalized health programs and live, one-on-one support from an expert health coach — all through an easy-to-use mobile app and website.

When you sign up with Vida, you’ll share your health goals and preferences. Vida will use that information to tailor a program to your needs, and you’ll pick a coach to support you along the way. Your program will include helpful resources like videos, lessons, recipes, and more, plus easy progress-tracking. You’ll also be able to connect any fitness trackers or health devices you use.

Who is eligible for Vida through Fortune Brands Innovations?

All Fortune Brands Innovations associates and their spouses and dependents 18+ located in the US and enrolled in a BCBS medical plan are eligible for Vida Health Coaching at no charge.

What kind of health coaching and care support can I receive through Vida?

At Vida, we handpick the best coaches and health experts from across the country. Whether you’re just starting your health journey, training for your next marathon, or somewhere in between, our coaches can help you reach your personal goals. Here are a few examples of things we can help with:

• Weight loss
• Nutrition, including support for specialized diets (gluten-free, paleo, vegan, keto, and more)
• Exercise and strength training, from getting started to prepping for competitions
• Coping with stress
• Improving sleep
• Managing diabetes, blood pressure, or cholesterol
• Tackling pre-diabetes or other risk factors, so they don’t lead to chronic disease
• Handling asthma or COPD
• Medication prescribing and lab orders*

*The Vida Medical Prescribing Service is only available to members currently enrolled in one of Vida’s clinical programs who would benefit from the addition of working with a prescribing provider.

Can I receive health devices from Vida?

Depending on your health needs, you may receive a free smart scale, blood pressure cuff, blood glucose meter, or continuous glucose meter (CGM) from Vida, if the device is recommended by your care team to help you meet your health goals. Your health coach will be able to answer any questions you have about whether these are appropriate for you and, if so, how to order them.

Can I only participate if I have a chronic condition?

No. Whether you are looking to get (or stay) fit, lose weight, handle stress, prevent disease, manage a chronic condition, or meet another health goal, we have expert coaches available to help.

What are Vida’s weight loss programs?

There are two weight loss programs available through Vida:

1. Preventive Weight Loss: This program focuses on behavior change​​. You will have your own dedicated health coach working with you to personalize eating and exercise plans that are a good fit for you and your goals. In this program, in addition to weekly coaching sessions, you will have the option to in-app message your coach and group chat with other people committed to losing weight. You will also have the option to connect devices such as a smart scale to help you track your progress​. Members in this program lose an average of 5% or more of their body weight in 12 months.
2. Medical Weight Loss: This program is tailored for individuals at a higher weight who would benefit from additional clinical oversight and support. In addition to a health coach who is a registered dietitian, your care team may also include a medical provider who can support the needs of members who have co-occurring conditions (like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, etc.). The Medical Weight Loss program first focuses on behavior change, including medical nutrition therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. ​After ​​a period of ​​active engagement, your care team may engage you in thoughtful discussion​​​​ about an assessment for prescribing support​​.​ Medication may be available earlier in the program if clinically appropriate. ​

Can I choose my coach?

Absolutely. After you download the Vida Health app, you’ll be prompted to create an account and choose your preferred program. Then we’ll ask you a few questions, including what kind of coaching style you’d like — for example a cheerleader type, drill sergeant, listener, or something else.

We’ll recommend some coaches that could be a good fit, and then the choice is up to you.

Can I change coaches if it doesn’t work out with my first coach?

Absolutely. To request a change, go to the Home screen in your Vida app, tap the gear icon in the upper right, then tap Request New Coach. You’ll complete a brief survey so we can match you with a new coach that’s the best fit for your style and goals.

What happens to the information I provide to Vida?

All personal information that you share through Vida’s app is confidential and is securely stored in encrypted databases. Vida Health is fully HIPAA-compliant. If you wish to have your information deleted, please contact privacy@vida.com. Fortune Brands Innovations does not access or receive your personal information that is shared with Vida.

What type of information will Fortune Brands Innovations receive?

Vida and Fortune Brands Innovations take your personal health information very seriously. Your individual data will only be accessible to your Vida Health team and select health apps you connect to Vida. Vida will NOT share your individual participation, results, or any personally identifiable health information with Fortune Brands Innovations.

Can I connect other health and fitness devices or apps to my Vida account?

You can! Connecting your fitness-tracking apps and devices to Vida is a great way to stay on track towards your health goals. We support integration with 100+ apps and devices, including:

• Fitbit
• Garmin
• iHealth
• Jawbone
• Runkeeper
• Strava
• Withings/Nokia Health
• Apple Health (e.g. Loseit, MyFitnessPal) (iOS only)

How do I connect another device or app to my Vida account?

When you log into Vida for the first time, you’ll see a task on the Home screen that says Connect Devices & Apps. Tapping this will guide you through the device setup process. If you decide to add or change a connected device/app at a later time, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the device/app you’d like to connect is set up and that data tracking is working properly.
2. Log into the Vida app.
3. Go to the Home screen, tap the gear icon in the upper right, then tap Connect Devices & Apps.
4. Select the device/app you’d like to connect and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Repeat these steps if you need to connect more devices or apps.

Why isn’t my device or app syncing to Vida?

First, please make sure your device is properly connected (see previous FAQ: “How do I connect another device or app to my Vida account?”). If you’ve checked this and are still having problems, please email us at support@vida.com or call 833-732-2242.

Can I order a device through Vida?

Devices such as a digital scale, glucometer (as well as test supplies), or blood pressure cuff may be available to you for free after your first coach consultation, and if you meet Vida clinical criteria for a device. The order form for devices will be found in the Vida app for those eligible.

I have my own glucometer. Do I need to request a new one from Vida?

If you have your own glucometer, you can likely sync it with the Vida app if it has bluetooth connectivity.  If you are not able to sync your device, you can also manually enter your data into the Vida app if you prefer to continue using that device.

I have a CGM (continuous glucose monitor). Can I sync data from my CGM to the Vida app?

Yes you can! Consult with your Vida Coach on steps to take to set up the CGM connection as it varies based on device.

What if I don’t have a smartphone? Can I do this by phone only?

You can access the Fortune Brand landing page at vida.com/FortuneBrands.

I forgot my password. Can you help?

Sure thing. Simply open the Vida app and tap Login. On the login screen, tap Forgot your password? and enter the email address associated with your account. We will send you an email with instructions on how to change your password.

Didn’t receive an email? You can reach out to us directly at support@vida.com or 833-732-2242.

How do I change my password?

To change your password, simply go to the Home screen in your Vida app, tap the gear icon in the upper right, then tap Change Password. From there, follow the on-screen instructions.

How do I change the email address associated with my Vida account?

Please email us at support@vida.com or call 833-732-2242 to change your email address.

My spouse or dependent is having trouble signing up. How do they sign up through my employer benefits?

Your family members (including spouses and dependents ages 18+) are eligible to use Vida’s services at no charge through your employer benefits. To enroll, spouses and dependents should use their name, email, and date of birth.

If they need additional help, they can reach out to us directly at support@vida.com or call 833-732-2242.