Medicare Launches GLP-1 Weight Loss Drug Program With 50 Dollar Monthly Copay

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services launched the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge on July 1, 2026, a demonstration program that gives eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries access to weight loss medications for a $50 monthly copayment.

The program covers three medications: Wegovy (injections and tablets), Zepbound (KwikPen), and Foundayo. It runs through December 31, 2027.

Standard Medicare Part D plans are prohibited from covering medications used solely for weight loss. The Bridge program operates as a demonstration project under the Secretary''s authority, allowing CMS to test expanded access outside the standard Part D benefit.

To qualify, beneficiaries must be 18 or older and have Medicare Part D coverage. Eligibility also depends on BMI and health conditions. Patients with a BMI of 35 or higher qualify regardless of other conditions. Those with a BMI of 30 or higher must also have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, uncontrolled hypertension, or chronic kidney disease at stage 3a or higher. Patients with a BMI of 27 or higher must have prediabetes, a history of heart attack, a previous stroke, or symptomatic peripheral artery disease.

The $50 copayment does not count toward standard Part D deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums. Programs like Extra Help do not apply to this specific copayment.

Physicians must submit prior authorization requests for patients seeking access through the Bridge. Beneficiaries who already have Part D coverage for GLP-1 medications for other conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, are not eligible for the Bridge and should continue using their existing plan.