Quick answer
Medicare’s GLP-1 Bridge lets people with Part D drug coverage get Wegovy, Zepbound or Foundayo for weight loss for a flat $50 a month, from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. You qualify with a BMI of 35 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher plus a qualifying condition such as heart disease or prediabetes. Your prescriber submits a prior authorization, and once approved you pay $50 at the pharmacy.
GLP-1 Bridge at a glance
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | July 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027 |
| Who qualifies | Part D enrollees with BMI 35+, or BMI 27+ with a qualifying condition |
| Covered drugs | Wegovy (pill and injection), Zepbound (KwikPen), Foundayo (pill) |
| Your cost | $50 per month, the same at every dose |
| How to apply | Prescriber submits a prior authorization |
| Fine print | Doesn’t count toward the Part D deductible or yearly cap; Extra Help doesn’t apply |
Last reviewed October 27, 2026 by Greg Wilson. Sources: NPR via VPM, May 2026.
For years, Medicare drug plans could not cover medications used only for weight loss. In 2026 that changed, at least for now. A Medicare pilot called the GLP-1 Bridge covers several weight-loss GLP-1 drugs for a flat $50 monthly copay. Use this checklist to see if you qualify and what to do next.
Eligibility checklist
- I have Medicare Part D drug coverage, either a stand-alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.
- My BMI is 35 or higher, or my BMI is 27 or higher and I have a qualifying condition such as heart disease or prediabetes.
- My doctor or other prescriber agrees a GLP-1 is right for me and will submit a prior authorization.
- If I already take a GLP-1 for weight loss, my prescriber can attest that I met the criteria when I started.
Ask your doctor which conditions count toward the BMI 27 pathway, since the list is set by the program.
Which drugs are covered
- Wegovy (semaglutide), as a pill or injection
- Zepbound (tirzepatide), KwikPen version
- Foundayo, a once-daily pill
How to apply
- Make an appointment with your doctor or another licensed prescriber. They do not have to be enrolled as a Medicare provider.
- Your prescriber submits a prior authorization with the prescription through the program’s central system, run for CMS by Humana.
- Once you are approved, fill the prescription at your pharmacy and pay $50 a month.
What it costs, and what it doesn’t count toward
The copay is a flat $50 a month and does not rise with the dose. It does not count toward your Part D deductible or the yearly out-of-pocket cap, and the Extra Help program cannot be applied to these drugs.
If you take a GLP-1 for diabetes or heart disease
People who take a GLP-1 such as Ozempic or Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes stay under their regular Part D coverage, not the Bridge, and may pay more than $50. Wegovy is also approved to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with heart disease and obesity or overweight, and Part D plans can cover it for that use under their normal rules. See our guide on whether Medicare covers Ozempic.
What happens after 2027?
The Bridge is scheduled to end December 31, 2027. A longer-term program could start in 2028, but that has not been decided. Ask your doctor about a plan for staying on, or coming off, the medication if coverage changes.
Not eligible? Other options
If you do not qualify, your doctor may still prescribe a GLP-1 at your plan’s normal cost, or you can compare manufacturer cash-pay programs and telehealth weight-care programs. Our guide to the best GLP-1 options for seniors covers what to ask, including how to avoid unapproved compounded versions.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to change Medicare plans to use the Bridge?
No. You need Part D coverage, through a stand-alone plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage. Changes to your plan can only be made during enrollment periods.
Is the $50 the same at every pharmacy?
The program sets a flat $50 monthly copay. Confirm with your pharmacy when you fill the prescription.
Does the Bridge cover Ozempic?
Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, so it is covered under regular Part D rules for diabetes, not under the weight-loss Bridge.
Part of our Medicare Guide. Costs, enrollment deadlines, Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap, Part D and what Medicare covers, all in one place. See the full guide →
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