Medicare Coverage for GLP-1 Medications Now Available to Eligible Beneficiaries Through the Bridge Program

Medicare is currently offering a temporary Bridge Program across all U.S. states and territories. Since July 1, 2026, eligible beneficiaries can now access certain GLP-1 weight-loss medications for $50 per month until December 31, 2027. Covered medications include:

• Foundayo® (tablet)

• Wegovy® (injection or tablet)

• Zepbound® (KwikPen® only)

  
  

To be eligible, beneficiaries must be enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan, including:

• Medicare Part D

• Medicare Advantage (Part C) with prescription drug coverage

• A Special Needs Plan (SNP)

• An Employer/Union Group Waiver Plan (EGWP)

• The Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition (LI NET) Program

In addition, beneficiaries must be 18 years of age or older and meet one of the following criteria:

• A body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m² or higher; or

• A BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher with at least one comorbidity, such as diastolic heart failure, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease (stage 3a or higher); or

• A BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher with prediabetes, a history of myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke, or symptomatic peripheral artery disease.

Beneficiaries are not eligible if they already have Medicare Part D coverage for GLP-1 medications or have type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, or moderate-to-severe sleep apnea.

To access this coverage, the prescribing physician must obtain prior authorization from Medicare, certifying that the GLP-1 medication is being prescribed as part of a comprehensive lifestyle program that includes diet and exercise. The one-time prior authorization remains valid for refills and dose adjustments unless the medication is changed.

Please inform patients who may benefit about this program, as it may help improve their weight and overall quality of life. For more information, visit the Medicare website and explore the following resources: Factsheet on Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: GLP-1 Drugs for  $50 a Month and Weight loss Drugs.