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Drug prices & Part D

Medicare's GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drug Program Is Running. Here Is Who Qualifies and a Key Cost Caveat.

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge has been active since July 1 and covers three anti-obesity medicines at a flat monthly copay of 50 dollars, but that payment does not count toward Part D cost limits, and Extra Help subsidies do not apply to it.

By the Goodsurance editorial teamAugust 19, 2026

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge demonstration, launched by CMS on July 1, 2026, provides qualifying Medicare Part D enrollees access to three anti-obesity medicines at a flat monthly copay of 50 dollars. The program runs through December 31, 2027.

The three covered drugs are Wegovy (semaglutide injection and tablets), Zepbound KwikPen (tirzepatide), and Foundayo (orforglipron tablets). CMS administers the Bridge outside the standard Part D benefit flow, using a central processor for prior authorization and pharmacy payment. A Part D plan does not need to take any action for eligible members to access Bridge drugs.

To qualify, a Part D enrollee must have a body mass index of 35 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with a qualifying condition such as cardiovascular disease, prediabetes, or hypertension. Enrollees who already use a GLP-1 drug for type 2 diabetes through their Part D plan, or who filled a GLP-1 prescription through Part D in 2026, are not eligible.

Two important caveats stand out. First, the monthly copay of 50 dollars does not count toward the enrollee's Part D deductible or the annual out-of-pocket cap of 2,100 dollars for 2026. Second, the Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) benefit cannot be applied to Bridge claims. Low-income enrollees who normally pay little or nothing for covered drugs will still owe 50 dollars per month for GLP-1 Bridge medicines.

KFF estimated roughly 3.8 million Part D enrollees met the eligibility criteria based on 2023 claims data. CMS has not announced a program to replace the Bridge after it ends in December 2027.

In plain words

Medicare started a program on July 1 to help some members get weight-loss drugs. It is called the GLP-1 Bridge. It covers three drugs: Wegovy, Zepbound (KwikPen only), and Foundayo. You pay 50 dollars a month. That payment does not count toward your yearly drug cost limit of 2,100 dollars. If you get Extra Help to lower your drug costs, that help does not apply here. You still pay 50 dollars. To qualify, your BMI must be 35 or higher, or 27 or higher if you have a condition like heart disease or prediabetes. You cannot qualify if you already use a GLP-1 drug for diabetes through your Part D plan. The program ends December 31, 2027, and no replacement has been announced.

Understand the basics first

Source: CMS
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