NewsWFLA News Channel 8October 24, 2026Hillsborough County
CMS launches temporary Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program offering weight-loss drugs for $50 monthly copayment
Photo: WFLA News Channel 8
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has launched the temporary Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, providing eligible participants access to specific weight-loss drugs for a $50 monthly copayment through Dec. 31, 2027. Participants must be enrolled in a qualifying Medicare Part D prescription drug plan and meet specific body mass index and health criteria. Beneficiaries already receiving GLP-1 medications through standard Medicare drug coverage or for conditions like Type 2 diabetes are excluded from the program.
Read the full story at WFLA News Channel 8Why It Matters
Enrolled Medicare beneficiaries meeting eligibility criteria gain access to covered weight-loss medications at a flat $50 monthly copayment through the end of 2027.
Key Facts
- The temporary Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program runs through Dec. 31, 2027.
- Participants pay a flat $50 monthly copayment regardless of income.
- Participants must be enrolled in a qualifying Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
- Covered products include Foundayo, Wegovy, and Zepbound KwikPen.
- Beneficiaries already receiving GLP-1 medications through their Medicare drug coverage are not eligible.
- Individuals with Type 2 diabetes, moderate to severe sleep apnea, or fatty liver disease may not qualify because standard Part D benefits may already cover GLP-1 drugs for those conditions.
- Eligible adults generally must have a BMI of at least 35, or a lower BMI combined with conditions such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, prediabetes, a prior heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease.
Who's Mentioned
otherWegovy“Covered weight-loss drug product”otherZepbound KwikPen“Covered weight-loss drug product”OrganizationCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services“Administers the temporary Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program”otherFoundayo“Covered weight-loss drug product”OrganizationNational Council on Aging“Identified the specific drugs covered by the program”