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Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers FAQs

  1. Who is eligible to participate in Weight Watchers® offerings?
  1. Special pricing is available to state employees, spouses and adult dependents for Weight Watchers services.
  1. What Weight Watchers programs can I join?
  1. Four options are available:  at-work meetings, local meetings in your community, an online subscription or an at-home kit.  See the Weight Watchers link on this site for additional information.
  1. How do I join?
  1. There are three ways to join Weight Watchers:
    • Local meetings or to receive the at home kit, call 1-866-614-9129.
    • Online subscription, visit the Weight Watchers link on this site.
    • Go to an at-work meeting at your agency or location. If an at-work meeting is offered, information should be available at your local work site.
  1. What is the cost if I join?
  1. Visit the Weight Watchers link on this site for a chart on service offerings and special pricing.
  1. Who can be reimbursed?
  1. Employees currently eligible for the state health benefits program may be reimbursed for half of the cost of Weight Watchers service fees.  Weight loss is not required to receive reimbursement. This offer is not available to spouses and adult dependents and is valid for employee service fees only.
  1. What is the process for reimbursement?
  1. Provided you are eligible (see previous answer), the Commonwealth will reimburse you based on meeting program criteria in any of the four Weight Watchers services.  The amount of reimbursement is 50% of the service fees you paid.  See a description of services, reimbursement requirements information and form on the Weight Watchers Web site at www.weightwatchers.com/cs/dhrm/index.aspx .  Send a completed form to the mailing address provided on the form.  The reimbursement process takes up to 30 days.
  1. Does Weight Watchers participation qualify for reimbursement under my state Medical Flexible Reimbursement Account (MFRA)?
  1. Weight Watchers may be a reimbursable expense for people who have been advised by their doctor that they are overweight or obese and need to lose weight provided certain conditions are met.  You need a doctor’s letter that: 1) states your diagnosis of being overweight or obese, or having an obesity-related disease such as high blood pressure that would be improved with weight loss and; 2) states the doctor’s recommendation that you lose weight. You also need a record of your expenses, such as paid invoices or receipts.

    If you are reimbursed for 50 percent of the cost of Weight Watchers services, you may not be reimbursed for more than 50% under your MFRA, if you qualify. To be reimbursed through your MFRA, you must submit both a doctor’s letter and proof of payments for treatment. See the MFRA reimbursement form available later on the DHRM Web site. For your tax return, you do not submit these items; however, you need to have it in your personal file in case you are audited by the IRS.
  1. Can I use my E-Z Reimburse Mastercard to pay for my Weight Watchers program?
  1. No, you may not use the E-Z Reimburse card to pay for Weight Watchers service fees.
  1. I participated in a Weight Watchers program during 2008 and did not know about the state program.  Can I be reimbursed for half of the cost?
  1. No. You may not be reimbursed retroactively for Weight Watchers participation.
  1. Who can participate in at-work meetings at agency locations?
  1. Only employees may attend at-work meetings. Weight Watchers for state employees is a pilot program, and further options may be considered once the pilot is evaluated. In addition, there are security issues involved that would preclude family members from attending at some work locations.
  1. What is included in the Weight Watchers at-home kit for state employees and why is the price higher than for the standard kit?
  1. The At-Home Corporate Edition Kit provided to state employees has additional features and resources not available to the general public, including an exercise DVD, POINTS calculator, healthy living tips, a cookbook, an electronic scale and several other items. In addition, state employees have access to a toll-free personal help line.
  1. Will I have to use leave to participate in Weight Watchers at-work meetings?
  1. No, it is not necessary to use leave to attend Weight Watchers at-work meetings.  For employee convenience, the meetings are scheduled in the early morning before work, during lunchtime or in the evening after work.
  1. Can my Weight Watchers fees be payroll deducted?
  1. No. Under the Commonwealth’s pilot program with Weight Watchers, fees must be paid directly for the program, appropriate signatures obtained on the reimbursement form, program participation requirements completed before the 50% reimbursement is paid. Contact Weight Watchers at 1-866-614-9129 to inquire about payment options, including credit card payment.
  1. I joined a local community meeting and bought a Monthly Pass.  Can I attend a Weight Watchers At Work meeting instead and keep the Monthly Pass?
  1. No. You cannot use a Monthly Pass in an At Work meeting. At Work meetings bring the Weight Watchers experience right to your workplace where a trained Leader leads weekly meetings, and you benefit from the proven advantage of group support from fellow members and coworkers.  If you want to attend an At Work meeting, you need to cancel your Monthly Pass and rejoin the At Work meeting in the meeting room at the location of the meeting.
  1. I have completed a 13-week Weight Watchers program and am planning to sign up for a second 13-week series. Can I be reimbursed for the second series?
  1. Yes, you may be reimbursed for each Weight Watchers cycle. You must complete participation requirements for each Weight Watchers cycle (10 meetings for the 12 - or 13-week session or 15 meetings for the 17- or 18-week session).