GROCERY SHOPPING
How to get GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for $50 at Publix, CVS, Walmart
C. A. BridgesUSA TODAY NETWORK – Florida
July 30, 2026, 11:38 a.m. ET
- A new Medicare program allows eligible seniors in Florida to get certain weight-loss drugs for a $50 monthly copay.
- The GLP-1 Bridge program covers Wegovy, Zepbound, and Foundayo at major pharmacies like Publix, Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS.
- To qualify, patients must have Medicare drug coverage and meet specific Body Mass Index and health criteria.
Medicare’s new GLP-1 Bridge program is now available at your neighborhood pharmacy in Florida. Seniors who qualify can fill prescriptions for blockbuster weight-loss drugs like Wegovy, Zepbound and Foundayo at Publix, Walmart, Walgreens and CVS locations statewide for a flat $50 monthly copay, at least for the next 18 months
That’s a steep drop from typical list prices that can top $1,000 a month, lowering the threshold for assisted weight loss and improved health for thousands of Floridians
Publix is also using “Create a lifestyle that lasts” brochures and “Better Choice” shelf tags to help guide customers through the store to “support their weight loss journey,” the company said in a July 29 release. The brochure includes a QR code that leads to a list of healthier options in the weekly ad
Here’s what to know
What is the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program?
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is a temporary nationwide program that lets eligible people with Medicare prescription drug coverage buy certain GLP-1 weight-loss medications for a flat $50 monthly copay, no matter what their income level is
Medicare did not previously cover weight-loss treatments unless the beneficiary also had a weight-related condition such as Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease, among other conditions
The Bridge program launched July 1, 2026, and is scheduled to run through Dec. 31, 2027, separate from regular Part D coverage, as a way to test broader access to obesity treatments
Which GLP-1 drugs are covered?
Medicare’s Bridge program currently covers:
- Foundayo tablets
- Wegovy injections and tablets
- Zepbound KwikPen, but not single-dose Zepbound vials or pens
These drugs are approved for weight management and have driven recent demand for GLP-1 medications, making the new $50 monthly price a major shift for patients who previously faced four-figure costs
Who in Florida qualifies for the $50 GLP-1 price?
To qualify, you must be 18 years of age or older, have Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, meet certain body mass index and health-related criteria, and get a prescription with prior authorization from your provider
You may be eligible if at least one of these is true:
- You have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or higher
- Your BMI is 30 or higher, and you have certain types of heart failure OR high blood pressurethat’s hard to control OR chronic kidney disease (stage 3a or above)
- Your BMI is 27 or higher, and you have prediabetes OR you’ve had a heart attack, stroke, orblocked arteries in your legs or arms
Patients with type 2 diabetes, moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, or fatty liver disease should contact their Medicare drug plan, as they may already cover a GLP-1 drug outside of this program
The $50 copay does not count toward your Medicare drug plan deductible or your yearly out-of-pocket limit, and the drugs are not eligible for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan
Can I get Medicare GLP-1 drugs at Publix, Walmart, CVS or Walgreens?
Publix and Walmart pharmacies across Florida now participate in the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, letting eligible patients fill Foundayo, Wegovy and Zepbound prescriptions at their regular grocery-store pharmacy
Walgreens and CVS have also signed on, with Walgreens offering help from pharmacists plus free delivery in most states for select oral GLP-1 tablets, and CVS expanding support services to improve access and help patients stay on therapy
Why is this program temporary?
Medicare historically has not covered weight-loss drugs without a diagnosed medical condition. The GLP-1 Bridge acts as a demonstration project while federal officials evaluate longer-term coverage through initiatives such as the BALANCE model
The Bridge is scheduled to end Dec. 31, 2027, though advocates say its performance could influence whether Medicare makes obesity-related GLP-1 coverage permanent under Part D in the future
What if I don’t have Medicare or a Medicare drug payment plan?
GLP-1 drugs are notoriously pricey, but there are ways to cut costs
Some manufacturers offer savings programs, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Discount programs such as GoodRx and the Trump administration’s TrumpRx can reduce GLP-1 co-pays as low as $149 a month
Costco shoppers can also get the $149 price for select GLP-1 medications
What are the health benefits and risks of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs?
GLP-1 medications can help patients lose a significant amount of weight, improve blood sugar control in people with Type 2 diabetes, and lower the risk of obesity-related conditions such as heart disease and sleep apnea
Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and, more rarely, issues like pancreatitis or gallbladder problems, so doctors often start patients on lower doses and monitor them closely. Critics of the Bridge program say the 18-month window may not be enough to evaluate its effectiveness, as doctors and patients need time to adjust dosages to minimize side effects
While the medications have resulted in dramatic results, some patients report gaining all the weight right back once they stop taking the drugs
Patients should talk with their provider about long-term use, the possibility of weight regain if they stop the drug, and how to pair medication with diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes to get safer, lasting results
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY
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