The Trump administration has officially launched its new “bridge” model that brings GLP-1 coverage for weight loss to Medicare beneficiaries
Eligible people enrolled in Medicare Part D can secure certain GLP-1 medications for weight loss or management at $50 each month. The program will remain in place through the end of 2027, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said in an announcement
Under the GLP-1 bridge, the feds will cover the cost of expanded coverage. Alongside this model, the agency also proposed a second approach—called Better Approaches to Lifestyle and Nutrition for Comprehensive hEalth, or BALANCE—in which it would negotiate lower GLP-1 prices in exchange for standardized coverage options
Plans balked at the model, and CMS indefinitely delayed from a planned January 2027 start date. A similar model was implemented in Medicaid in May 2026
In a CMS announcement commemorating the model’s launch, Administrator Mehmet Oz, M.D., urged beneficiaries to reach out to their doctors to see if they’re eligible
“For too long, many Americans have been unable to access these treatments because of cost,” Oz said
The press release notes that individuals who are already able to access GLP-1s through their Medicare drug benefit or are currently eligible for the drugs under Part D will not be able to participate in the bridge program
Both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, which manufacture the most popular GLP-1 drugs on the market, are participating in the model. In an announcement posted Wednesday, Novo Nordisk said that offering Wegovy through the program offers “a new access pathway for millions of older adults living with obesity.”
Eligible Part D enrollees can access both Wegovy injectables and pills at the $50 price, per the announcement
The drugmaker added that it is actively working with the agency, healthcare professionals, pharmacists and patient groups to identify avenues to ensure that eligible individuals can access GLP-1s if they need them
“For many older Americans living with obesity, this is a moment they and their families have been waiting for,” said Jamey Millar, executive vice president for US Operations at Novo Nordisk, in the press release. “We are committed to helping patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals navigate this program with confidence.”
Similarly, Eli Lilly said in a news release from June 25 that both Foundayo and Zepbound will be available through the program. Ilya Yuffa, executive vice president and president of Lilly USA and Global Customer Capabilities, said in the announcement that the company estimates that 20 million Medicare beneficiaries would meet clinical criteria for weight loss medications
The company also added that participating in the program offers additional options for clinicians, rather than requiring a one-size-fits-all approach
“For many, this will be the first time obesity treatment has been within reach,” Yuffa said
In addition, major pharmacies and retailers are also gearing up to participate in the program. Walgreens announced on June 25 that it would be ready to support patients at its nearly 8,000 pharmacies nationwide. Its pharmacists can offer additional information on eligibility and answer questions about weight management medications, the company said
The pharmacy chain added that it is offering support to connect individuals who may be interested in getting a GLP-1 through the bridge program with providers that can assess their eligibility
“Walgreens’ trusted pharmacists are trained to help patients navigate eligibility requirements and stay on track with treatment,” said Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer at Walgreens, in the announcement. “Every patient’s weight loss journey is different, and our pharmacists are here to help from the moment a patient first considers a GLP-1.”
CVS Pharmacy echoed the sentiment in a June 22 statement, saying that those who are not eligible can access an array of copay assistance programs that are accepted at CVS pharmacies
Walmart and Sam’s Club also expanded their support for Medicare enrollees who may be eligible for GLP-1s in anticipation of the bridge model. Kevin Host, senior vice president of health and wellness for Walmart, told Fierce Healthcare that additional support for weight management fits the team’s broader mission
“Our Walmart mantra is just helping people save money and live better,” Host said
