Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program: Affordable Access to Wegovy for Millions
A significant transformation in American healthcare is now underway. As of July 1, 2026, eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries can avail themselves of widely-used weight-loss GLP-1 medications — including Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound KwikPen (tirzepatide) — at a mere $50 per month via the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program.
This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), signifies a historic reversal of a longstanding federal prohibition on Medicare’s coverage of weight-loss drugs. In the past, Medicare only covered GLP-1s like Ozempic when prescribed for Type 2 diabetes. The Bridge program will continue until the end of 2027, with the comprehensive BALANCE Model scheduled to commence in January 2027 as a more permanent solution.
The program encompasses all formulations of Wegovy — both injection and pill — as well as the newly-approved oral GLP-1 medication Foundayo (orforglipron). To be eligible, beneficiaries must possess a Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan, meet BMI-based eligibility criteria, and secure prior authorization from their healthcare provider.
On the other hand, commercial insurance coverage for these drugs remains uncertain. As per GoodRx tracking data, CVS Caremark is expected to reinstate Zepbound to its standard formulary in October 2026, potentially extending coverage to an additional 25–30 million individuals. However, an estimated 27 million people are still without coverage for Wegovy through commercial insurance.
Source: GoodRx — Live Updates: Insurance Coverage for GLP-1 Agonists in 2026