GLP-1 Now Available for Medicare Recipients

Starting July 1, 2026, Medicare will begin a short-term demonstration, called the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, that will provide eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries with access to certain GLP-1 drugs. The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is a nationwide CMS program running through December 31, 2027, that allows eligible Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries to access select FDA-approved weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound for a flat $50 monthly copay. To qualify, adults must have a BMI of 35 or higher, or a BMI of 30 or higher combined with conditions like high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, or certain types of heart failure. Notably, individuals with type 2 diabetes, moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, or fatty liver disease are excluded from this specific program, as standard Medicare plans may already cover GLP-1 drugs for those diagnoses. Because this initiative operates outside standard Part D coverage, healthcare providers must submit prescriptions and prior authorization requests directly to a central CMS processor rather than the patient's insurance plan. See CMS announcement here.