Medicare Bridge Program Begins Obesity Drug Coverage for Part D Enrollees at $50 Monthly Copay

Medicare began covering obesity drugs for eligible beneficiaries on July 1, 2025, through the Bridge demonstration program at a monthly copay of $50. cnbc.com reported that the coverage applies only to those enrolled in Part D plans and requires a prescription plus prior authorization approval through CMS. The program is administered directly by CMS rather than through private Part D plans.

Patients already receiving GLP-1 coverage from their Part D plan for Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease risk reduction, or sleep apnea do not qualify. A survey conducted in late March by the Obesity Care Advocacy Network among more than 2,100 adults ages 65 and older found that 82 percent were unaware Medicare would begin covering the drugs.

The figure stood at 79 percent among Republicans and 84 percent among Democrats in that age group.

CMS conducted outreach to healthcare providers and pharmacists ahead of the launch. An agency official said the agency would increase public promotions after July 1 to act as good stewards of taxpayer dollars. Novo Nordisk spent nearly $500 million advertising Wegovy and Ozempic in the United States during the first nine months of 2025.

Eli Lilly spent just over $200 million promoting Zepbound and Mounjaro in the same period. The Bridge program was later extended through 2027. Enrollment is not automatic, and some experts noted that limited public advertising before the start date could slow initial uptake among eligible seniors.