What is Vida Health?

Vida is a virtual health program that offers personalized weight loss and prediabetes programs and live, one-on-one support from an expert care team — 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 your fitness trackers or health devices (see most common list in “3rd-Party Devices and Apps” below).

Who is eligible for Vida?

Vida is available at no additional cost to eligible Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) members and their covered dependents who are at least 18 years or older. Some plan exclusions apply.

What kind of health coaching can I receive through Vida?

At Vida, we handpick 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 and providers can help you reach your personal goals. Here are a few examples of things we can help members with, depending on the programs that their benefits have chosen to make available:

• Weight loss
• Nutrition, including support for specialized diets (gluten-free, paleo, vegan, keto, and more)
• Exercise and strength training
• Tackling pre-diabetes or other risk factors so they don’t lead to chronic disease
• Medication prescribing and lab orders*

*Vida Prescribing Services are only available to certain members who, based on Vida’s clinical criteria, would benefit from the addition of working with a prescribing Vida provider.

What weight loss programs are available through Vida?

There are two weight loss programs available to select employers through Vida. Based on completion of health and personal goals assessment, you may be placed in one of the following programs:

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​.
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. 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 and assessment for prescribing support​​.​

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 — 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.

Note: Prescribing is only available to select members based on clinical criteria.

What is the Vida Prescribing Service?

Vida Prescribing Services are available to select employers and certain enrolled members who, based on Vida’s clinical criteria, would benefit from the addition of working with a prescribing provider.

How do I find out if I’m eligible for Vida’s Prescribing Services?

Your eligibility is based on your reported medical conditions, medication history, and past lab tests. If you seem like a good fit for our prescribing program, you’ll receive an in-app eligibility form that will be reviewed by our medical team. Not all Blue Cross NC employers are eligible to use Vida’s prescribing services.

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

For employers who have prescribing services, prescriptions will be submitted electronically to a pharmacy of your choice. It can be a local pharmacy or a mail-order pharmacy. The Vida medical provider will ask you which pharmacy you prefer.

How often will I meet with my prescriber?

For employers who have prescribing services, you’ll have an initial consultation with your prescriber to assess your medication needs and a follow-up visit to review progress. Additional visits beyond these two consultations will depend on your situation and can be scheduled as needed. You also have the option to message your prescriber on an unlimited basis.

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

Yes! For employers who have prescribing services, 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.

How do I schedule appointments?

For employers who have prescribing services, you can schedule an appointment directly through the app from the Home screen.

Will insurance cover the cost of my prescription?

For employers who have prescribing services, you’ll be able to provide your pharmacy insurance information directly to your pharmacy. Coverage of prescription costs will vary depending on your pharmacy benefits. If you have any questions about prescription costs, please contact your pharmacy insurance company or pharmacy for specific details about your pharmacy benefits and prescription.

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

For employers who have prescribing services, please contact your Vida prescriber through the chat screen in the app. If you need further assistance, you can also contact support@vida.com or 833-732-2242.

What happens to the information I provide to Vida?

All personal information you share through Vida’s app is confidential and securely stored in encrypted databases. Vida Health is fully HIPAA-compliant.

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 (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.

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’re 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! Check with your coach to learn how to set up your CGM with the app.

I was asked for a credit card when signing up. Isn’t Vida provided to eligible BCBSNC employees and employers at no charge?

Vida is indeed available at no charge to eligible BCBSNC employees and employers. If you see a credit card request in error, email us at support@vida.com.

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.

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 to change your email address.

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

Your covered family members (including spouses/domestic partners and dependents ages 18+) are eligible to use Vida’s services at no charge through your employer benefits. To enroll, spouses/domestic 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.