Medicare's New GLP-1 Bridge Program: What Beneficiaries Need to Know Before It Launches This Summer
Last updated May 18, 2026
The use of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy has ballooned over the past few years, with one in eight American adults currently taking a GLP-1 medication for weight loss or to manage conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, according to a poll conducted by KFF. Yet for millions of Medicare beneficiaries, these drugs have largely been out of reach.
That’s due to the way Medicare Part D was originally written. When Congress created the program, it explicitly excluded coverage for drugs associated with weight loss or gain. Medicare does cover GLP-1s today, but only when prescribed for an underlying condition, not just for weight loss.
That changes July 1, 2026. Medicare is launching the GLP-1 Bridge Program, which will, for the first time, allow beneficiaries to access GLP-1 medications prescribed specifically for weight loss. Here's what to know about how the program works.
What is the GLP-1 Bridge Program?
The GLP-1 Bridge Program is a short-term demonstration project that, for the first time, gives Medicare beneficiaries with Part D coverage access to GLP-1 drugs, prescribed for weight loss. The pilot program will run from July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027.
The program will operate outside of the standard Part D program, so individual Part D plans don't need to take any action--eligible beneficiaries can access these drugs automatically. Medicare is managing the program centrally, handling prior authorization, claims processing, and pharmacy payments through a single system.
Who’s Eligible for the Program?
The program is available nationwide, including all U.S. territories, to any Medicare beneficiary enrolled in Part D. You can get Part D coverage from a standalone prescription drug plan (PDP) or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D (MAPD). Beneficiaries in Special Needs Plans (SNPs) and Employer Group Waiver Plans (EGWPs) are also eligible.
To qualify for the program, a beneficiary’s provider must submit a prior authorization confirming they meet the eligibility requirements. The BMI thresholds are:
- No underlying health condition: BMI of 35 or higher
- With an underlying health condition: BMI of 27 or higher, depending on the condition
Which Drugs Are Covered?
The program covers all formulations of Wegovy and Foundayo, plus the KwikPen formulation of Zepbound.
How Much Will They Cost?
All covered GLP-1 drugs are available for a flat $50 copay, regardless of which drug is prescribed.
How Do I Access the Program?
Start by talking to your doctor, not your insurer. Your doctor will submit the prior authorization directly to the program’s central processor. Once you’re approved, you simply pick up your prescription at your preferred pharmacy and pay the $50 copay. CMS will release more details on the prior authorization process for providers closer to the July 1st launch.
What's the Catch?
Because the GLP-1 Bridge Program operates outside of the Part D program, the $50 copay does not count toward your Part D plan’s deductible or the $2,100 out-of-pocket catastrophic limit. Keep this in mind when weighing the program's costs.
