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Trump Administration Launches 18-Month Medicare Pilot Capping Copays at $50 for Certain GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs
President Donald Trump and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services unveiled an 18-month pilot that will allow qualifying Medicare Part D beneficiaries to obtain certain GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy for $50 a month beginning July 1, 2026. The program marks a major policy shift after Medicare largely excluded coverage of the drugs when prescribed solely for obesity.
May 12, 12:22 PM·2m read1 source
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President Donald Trump and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced the GLP-1 Bridge pilot program, which sets out-of-pocket costs for certain GLP-1 weight-loss medications at $50 per month for qualifying Medicare beneficiaries. The program represents a decrease of roughly 95 percent or more from previous out-of-pocket prices for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.
Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Part D prescription drug plans will be able to access certain GLP-1 weight-loss medications for a $50 copay at the pharmacy under the pilot program.
The GLP-1 Bridge pilot program is an 18-month program scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026. It is scheduled to run through December 2027. During the GLP-1 Bridge pilot program, CMS plans to collect data on usage and costs.
The goal of the GLP-1 Bridge pilot program is to determine whether Medicare should adopt a permanent coverage pathway by 2028. To participate in the GLP-1 Bridge program, individuals must be enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan and receive prior authorization from a doctor.
Eligibility for the GLP-1 Bridge program is tied to body mass index, which is typically 27 or higher, or can include a lower BMI if combined with conditions such as heart disease or prediabetes.
At launch, the GLP-1 Bridge program is expected to include injectable GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy and other approved injectable and pill-based GLP-1 options. Medicare has largely excluded coverage of GLP-1 drugs when prescribed for weight loss. Seniors could generally access GLP-1 drugs through Medicare only if prescribed for Type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease, but not obesity alone.
