Medicare launches temporary program for weight-loss drugs.

GLP-1 Bridge Program

On July 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program. This is a temporary federal initiative that provides eligible Medicare beneficiaries with access to specific weight-loss medications for a flat cost of $50 per month. The program runs from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027.

Covered Medications

The program exclusively covers select GLP-1 treatments prescribed solely for weight management:

• Foundayo^® (tablet)
• Wegovy^® (injection or tablet)
• Zepbound^® (KwikPen only; single-dose pens and vials are excluded)

Note: Medications like Ozempic^® or Mounjaro^® are not part of this bridge program, though they may still be covered under standard Part D if prescribed for other conditions like Type 2 diabetes.

Key Cost Details

• Fixed Copay: You pay $50 for a 30-day supply, regardless of your income level or Extra Help status.
• Part D Separation: Because the program operates outside regular Part D benefits, your $50 payment does not count toward your yearly Part D deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the $50 monthly price, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Enrollment: Have Medicare Part D drug coverage.
• Purpose: Must be prescribed strictly for weight loss/management, not for other medical conditions like diabetes.
• Health/BMI Criteria: Meet body mass index thresholds with weight-related health risks (e.g., prediabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, or history of heart attack/stroke).
• Approval: Receive a prior authorization approval submitted by your doctor directly to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY: 1-877-486-2048) for more information about this program.