Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program: What Eligible Medicare Beneficiaries Need to Know

As of July 1, 2026, eligible Medicare beneficiaries can receive insurance coverage for FDA-approved medications for obesity management through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program.

This new demonstration program is an important step toward expanding access to obesity care for older adults. Read on to understand what this news means for you or your loved one:

Why does this matter?

Obesity is a serious chronic disease associated with hundreds of health , including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and several types of cancers, among other illnesses. Expanding coverage for evidence-based obesity treatment gives more Medicare beneficiaries access to the comprehensive care that needed to improve their health and quality of life. The program is designed to improve access to comprehensive obesity care now, while generating important data to inform future Medicare coverage decisions.

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program also reflects growing recognition that obesity should be treated like any other chronic disease, with evidence-based, patient-centered care.

How does the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program work?

Through the program, Medicare will provide coverage for several obesity management medications to qualifying beneficiaries who have Medicare prescription drug coverage.

What is covered?

Foundayo, Wegovy (injection or pill) and Zepbound (KwikPen only) are covered by Medicare through this program when used as part of a lifestyle program that includes diet and exercise.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible if you are enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan and meet the clinical eligibility requirements established by CMS:

• Are 18 or older and meet one of these requirements when you start GLP-1 therapy:
  • You have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more.
  • You have a BMI between 30-34.99 and have at least one of these conditions:
    • Diastolic heart failure (also called heart failure with preserved ejection fraction)
    • Uncontrolled high blood pressure (also called hypertension)
    • Chronic kidney disease at stage 3a or higher
    • Prediabetes
    • A previous heart attack (also called myocardial infarction) or stroke
    • Blocked arteries in your legs or arms (also called peripheral artery disease) with symptoms
  • You have a BMI between 27-29.99 and have at least one of these conditions:
    • Prediabetes
    • A previous heart attack (also called myocardial infarction) or stroke
    • Blocked arteries in your legs or arms (also called peripheral artery disease) with symptoms

Because eligibility varies, talk with your healthcare provider to determine whether you qualify. For the latest eligibility information, visit the Medicare.gov website.

What will it cost?

Beneficiaries will pay $50 for a one month’s supply. This payment doesn’t count towards your yearly Medicare drug plan deductible or out-of-pocket limit.

Think you might be eligible? Start here.

1. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether the Bridge program is right for you and work with them to complete the required prior authorization steps.
2. Explore additional resources from EveryBODY Covered partners:

• Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Resource Hub | Obesity Action Coalition
• Medicare GLP-1 Bridge – Questions & Answers for Patients, Providers, Pharmacies, and Advocates | Obesity Care Advocacy Network
• What Women Need to Know What Women Need to Know About Medicare’s New GLP-1 Coverage | Society for Women’s Health Research
• What You Need to Know: Medicare to Begin Limited Coverage of GLP-1 Medications | Health Equity Coalition for Chronic Disease
• Expanding Access to Weight-Loss Medications: The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program | National Council on Aging
• For additional program information, visit the CMS Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program webpage.

This is an important step – but our work isn’t over.

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program represents meaningful progress toward improving access to obesity care, but it is a temporary demonstration program with limited eligibility.

Continued advocacy is needed to ensure all people living with obesity have access to evidence-based obesity care.

By engaging with the EveryBODY Covered campaign, you can help make this a reality.