Medicare began covering certain GLP-1 weight loss drugs on July 1, 2026, giving millions of eligible beneficiaries access to medications that can help manage weight and improve overall health — all for a $50 monthly copayment.
The coverage is available through a temporary initiative called the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which is offered nationwide, including all U.S. states and territories.
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What drugs are covered?
Three GLP-1 medications are included in the program:
- Foundayo (tablet)
- Wegovy (injection or tablet)
- Zepbound (KwikPen® only — single-dose vials or pens are not covered)
Who qualifies?
To be eligible, you must be 18 or older and have Medicare drug coverage (Part D). That includes coverage through a standalone Medicare drug plan (PDP), a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage (MA-PD), a Special Needs Plan (SNP), an Employer/Union Group Waiver Plan (EGWP), or the Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition (LI NET) program.
You must also meet at least one of the following body mass index (BMI) requirements at the time you start GLP-1 therapy:
- A BMI of 35 or higher
- A BMI between 30–34.99 with at least one qualifying condition, such as diastolic heart failure, uncontrolled high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease at stage 3a or higher, prediabetes, a previous heart attack or stroke, or peripheral artery disease with symptoms
- A BMI between 27–29.99 with prediabetes, a previous heart attack or stroke, or peripheral artery disease with symptoms
Who does NOT qualify?
Not everyone with Medicare will be eligible for the Bridge program. You are not eligible if you:
- Already receive GLP-1 drugs covered through your Medicare Part D plan
- Have type 2 diabetes, moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, or fatty liver disease
What your doctor needs to do
If you’re eligible, your doctor or other health care provider will need to send a prescription for a covered GLP-1 drug to a pharmacy and, when requested, complete a prior authorization.
Your provider must also certify that you are using the GLP-1 drug as part of a lifestyle program focused on diet and exercise.
Once approved, your prior authorization is valid — including for refills and dose changes — through Dec. 31, 2027, unless you switch to a different GLP-1 drug.
What to expect after you’re approved
After your prescription is processed, you’ll receive a letter in the mail confirming that your GLP-1 drug is covered under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program.
Your pharmacy may ask for your Medicare Number or the last four digits of your Social Security number to help process your prescription. If you suspect fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit Medicare.gov to find other ways to report it. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
How to get started
If you think you may qualify, talk with your health care provider to begin the process. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE to ask questions about your eligibility or check the status of a prior authorization.