CMS Medicare Program Aims to Expand Access to Weight-Loss Drugs
July 6, 2026by Dan McCue
WASHINGTON — Eligible Medicare beneficiaries can now obtain certain anti-obesity medications for $50 a month under a new federal demonstration program launched by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
In an announcement on its website, the agency said the initiative is intended to expand access to GLP-1 drugs while testing their impact on the Medicare program
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge took effect July 1 and is scheduled to remain available through Dec. 31, 2027.
CMS said the program is open to eligible beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage who qualify under the initiative’s requirements
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CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said the program is designed to provide a lower-cost pathway to medications that many beneficiaries have been unable to obtain because of their price
“For too long, many Americans have been unable to access these treatments because of cost,” Oz said. “The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge creates a new pathway for eligible beneficiaries to afford GLP-1 medications.”
CMS said beneficiaries who believe they may qualify should consult their physicians and review eligibility information available through Medicare.
The agency said not all Medicare beneficiaries will be eligible, including individuals who already receive GLP-1 medications through existing Medicare prescription drug coverage or who otherwise qualify for coverage under the Medicare Part D benefit
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