The eMed Weight Management Program enables Simtra to support employees and eligible dependents (18+) with a comprehensive weight management solution. The program provides access to GLP-1 weight loss medications through the following process:

• The eligible participant signs up for the program. Please note: participants must be age 18 or older and enrolled in a Simtra employer-sponsored medical plan. The participant receives and completes an onboarding kit, which includes a blood draw.
• If deemed clinically eligible for the program, the participant is issued a prescription. (If the member is deemed clinically ineligible, they will receive an email letting them know.)
• The medication will be delivered to the participant's home through eMed's partner mail order pharmacy.
• The participant begins weekly check-ins by logging their weight and medication dosage.
• Each month, the participant completes a refill questionnaire and connects with a clinician, who reviews any changes in medical history and coordinates the prescription renewal to be mailed to the participant through eMed's partner mail order pharmacy.
• Every six months, the participant receives a follow-up blood kit to monitor changes in their health metrics over time.

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To be eligible for the Simtra Weight Management Program by eMed, participants must be age 18 or older and enrolled in a Simtra employer-sponsored medical plan. Additional clinical eligibility criteria, as defined by the FDA, also apply:

1. Adults with a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related co-morbidity. Examples of co-morbidities include hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease/non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or coronary artery disease.
2. Adults with a BMI of 30 or greater (no co-morbidity needed).

To determine eligibility for the program, participants will be asked to complete an initial virtual screening and an at-home blood test.

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GLP-1 is a hormone that the small intestine makes. It has several roles, including:

1. Triggering insulin release from the pancreas: Insulin is an essential hormone that allows the body to use the food eaten for energy. It lowers the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. If there is not enough insulin, blood sugar increases, leading to diabetes.
2. Blocking glucagon secretion: Glucagon is a hormone that the body uses to raise blood sugar levels when necessary. So GLP-1 prevents more glucose from going into the bloodstream.
3. Slowing stomach emptying: Slower digestion means that the body releases less glucose (sugar) from the food eaten into the bloodstream.
4. Increasing how full someone feels after eating (satiety): GLP-1 affects areas of the brain that process hunger and satiety.

GLP-1 agonist medications work by mimicking this hormone. In medication terms, an agonist is a manufactured substance that attaches to a cell receptor and causes the same action as the naturally occurring substance. In other words, GLP-1 medications bind to GLP-1 receptors to trigger the effects (or roles) of the GLP-1 hormone. The higher the dose of the GLP-1 agonist, the more extreme the effects. The satiety effect of GLP-1 agonists reduces food intake, appetite and hunger. These combined effects often result in weight loss. Individuals generally take GLP-1 injections for an extended period of time but the duration varies by individual.

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Compounded drugs do not have the same safety, quality and effectiveness assurances as FDA-approved drugs. eMed does not offer compounded GLP-1 medication, and compounded drugs are not covered by Simtra or our health plan.

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The current U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved GLP-1 medications for weight management in the eMed program are Wegovy (both injectable and oral formulations), Zepbound KwikPen, and Foundayo.

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Individuals currently on a GLP-1 for weight loss are invited to join eMed to transition their care for these medications. During enrollment, eMed will ask whether the participant is taking GLP-1s. If so, the eMed app will request an upload of the current prescription so eMed's clinical partners can take that information into account when evaluating eligibility.

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No. The program only provides access to board-certified clinicians who will prescribe GLP-1 medication for weight management, manage refills and any dose changes, as well as assist if the participant experiences any side effects. If a participant receives weight loss medications prescribed by eMed as part of this program, participants are encouraged to keep their primary care clinician informed.

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For 2027, the participant is responsible for a cost share of $100 per prescription.

Participants should download the eMed app on an iOS or Android phone, and use the code “Simtra” to access the program.

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The participant will need to provide their full legal name on file with Simtra, date of birth, Employee ID number, email address and physical address.

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Participants should use their Simtra Employee ID number. A spouse or dependent should enter the Employee ID of the Simtra employee they are associated with.

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During the screening, participants will be asked to step on a scale and show their weight, take a full body picture, and complete the blood collection. The full body picture is used to determine body type and can be an indicator of cardiometabolic disease. The blood draw uses a needleless Tasso device, which takes the blood from the upper arm, just below the shoulder. The blood collection is taken on camera, so having a short-sleeved shirt on makes it easier to complete the process on camera while maintaining privacy.

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When new participants sign up for the program, they create an account in the eMed app and a Program Screening Kit is sent to them. Once the kit arrives, participants log into the eMed app and scan the QR code to begin.

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The screening process takes approximately 30 minutes.

As part of the process, a clinician will review both your medical history and your sample blood test to determine whether you qualify to take a GLP-1 medication. These medications have very specific requirements for when they can be prescribed and there are specific situations where they may not be the best option for you medically. For example, if you are pregnant or have a history of certain health conditions, the clinician may determine that a GLP-1 is not the best option. Your clinician will review your medical history and your lab results to determine if you are medically eligible to take the prescription.

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Members must complete their bloodwork through the eMed solution to qualify for and participate in the program. The value of using eMed for your labwork is you have a consistent means of evaluating your progress in the program. In addition, outside lab results, recent physicals, or standard biometric/wellness screenings may have similar metrics, but not all of the metrics eMed captures.

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The blood collection is taken using a needleless Tasso device. An eMed virtual proctor guides the participant through the process, including warming the arm, cleaning the area with an alcohol swab, and collecting the sample. It is recommended to drink one to two glasses of water prior to collection. It may take up to two minutes for blood to begin flowing into the vial.

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The virtual proctor will arrange a FedEx pickup of the blood sample, which should occur as soon as possible. eMed will provide pickup details after the collection is complete. If pickup is scheduled more than two hours later, the sample should be stored in a cool, dry place until pickup.

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Once the blood sample is picked up, it takes three to five days for the sample to be processed by the lab and for a clinician to review results. Participants will be notified by email when a decision has been made. If participants are not approved for the eMed program, they will be notified within three to five business days from when the sample is picked up.

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When participants complete the screening, the blood sample is sent to the lab for processing. The final screening results are sent to a clinician for review prior to a prescription being written. Based on medical history and screening results, the clinician will determine whether a GLP-1 prescription is medically recommended. In some cases, lab results come back from the screening that are considered abnormal or critical, and in these instances eMed clinicians will recommend connecting with a primary care provider for follow-up and treatment.

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The eMed app supports real-time in-app messaging with a clinician within the eMed clinical network. In addition, participants may also request a live conversation or contact eMed Customer Support at 866-955-1173 or support@emed.com to request a live conversation.

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Your prescription will be directly filled by eMed's mail order pharmacy. The licensed eMed clinician will send your prescription and refills directly to the mail order pharmacy for fulfillment, and all medications included in the program are shipped directly to your home.

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During the weekly check-in, participants will be asked to log their weight both audibly and by taking a picture of the scale. They will also scan their medication and will be reminded about what to do if they experience side effects. The process takes about one minute.

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Yes. To stay enrolled in the program, participants must complete a minimum of three out of four check-ins each month.

If a weekly check-in is missed, participants will receive an email or text message that provides the next steps. If unable to complete the check-in, a new reminder for a weekly check-in will occur the following week on the regularly scheduled check-in day.

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Participants should report side effects through the eMed app, log severity and request clinician support. In case of a medical emergency, they should call 911.

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Blood tests are expected to be repeated every six months to monitor progress.

The duration of medication use varies by individual and is determined based on clinical evaluation, treatment response, and ongoing health goals. Some members may use GLP-1 medications long-term as part of a sustained weight management plan, while others may taper or discontinue under the guidance of their clinician once appropriate health outcomes are achieved. Continued eligibility and treatment duration are regularly assessed through ongoing clinical monitoring and check-ins.

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If a member wishes to change their dose or medication, they can discuss this with their assigned clinician through the eMed app. All adjustments are made based on clinical assessment, safety considerations, and the member's response to treatment. The clinician will evaluate the request and determine the most appropriate adjustment to ensure safe and effective care.

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