Prescription costs

Medicare GLP-1 Bridge

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is a temporary Medicare program that covers certain GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for $50 a month. It runs from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027, separately from your regular drug plan. It's for adults with Medicare drug coverage who meet body-weight and health rules.

Checked Oct 28, 2026

Rules set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

An older man's hands filling a weekly pill organizer next to prescription bottles

How to apply

By phone: 1-800-633-4227
In person: Through your doctor. They send a prescription for a covered drug to your pharmacy and complete Medicare's prior authorization when asked.
Who runs it: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (official government site)

Who may qualify

Who may qualify for Medicare GLP-1 Bridge
Coverage you need	Medicare drug coverage (Part D): a drug plan, a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, a Special Needs Plan, an employer or union plan, or the LI NET program Source: Medicare.gov (source 1)
With a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher	No other condition needed Source: Medicare.gov (source 1)
With a BMI of 30 or higher	Plus diastolic heart failure, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or chronic kidney disease at stage 3a or higher Source: Medicare.gov (source 1)
With a BMI of 27 or higher	Plus prediabetes, a past heart attack or stroke, or blocked arteries in the legs or arms (peripheral artery disease) with symptoms Source: Medicare.gov (source 1)
Age	18 or older Source: Medicare.gov (source 1)
Not eligible if you	Already get a GLP-1 drug through your Part D plan, or have type 2 diabetes, moderate-to-severe sleep apnea or fatty liver disease (your plan may cover a GLP-1 for these) Source: Medicare.gov (source 1)
Plans that don't qualify	Certain special plan types, like private fee-for-service plans, cost plans or PACE, if that's your only Medicare coverage Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (source 2)

What you may get

What Medicare GLP-1 Bridge pays
Your cost for a one-month supply	$50 a month Source: Medicare.gov (source 1)
Drugs covered	Foundayo (tablet), Wegovy (injection or tablet) and Zepbound KwikPen. Single-dose Zepbound pens and vials aren't covered Source: Medicare.gov (source 1)
Income test	None. The cost is $50 at any income Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (source 2)

Dates, renewals and waiting lists

Dates and renewals
Program start	July 1, 2026 Source: Medicare.gov (source 1)
Program end	December 31, 2027 Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (source 3)
How long an approval lasts	Through December 31, 2027, including refills and dose changes, unless you switch GLP-1 drugs Source: Medicare.gov (source 1)

Good to know

Your doctor must certify that you're using the drug as part of a lifestyle program focused on diet and exercise.
If you're approved, Medicare sends you a letter saying your drug is covered. Refills don't need a new approval as long as you stay on the same drug, even if the dose changes.
Your pharmacy may ask for your Medicare Number, or the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number, to process the prescription.
The $50 copay can't be spread out with the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan.

Sources: Medicare.gov (source 1), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (source 2)

What people get wrong

MythThe $50 copay counts toward my Part D yearly limit.
Not true. It doesn't count toward your plan's deductible or out-of-pocket limit, and it won't appear on your plan's Explanation of Benefits.
MythExtra Help will lower my $50 copay.
No. Extra Help can't lower the copay for drugs covered through the bridge.
MythMy drug plan has to sign up before I can use the bridge.
Not true. The bridge runs outside the Part D benefit, and plans don't have to opt in for eligible people to get these drugs.

Sources

Medicare.gov, Weight loss drugs (Medicare GLP-1 Bridge) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: GLP-1 Drugs for $50 a Month (fact sheet, June 2026) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare GLP-1 Bridge (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.

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