06/05/2026
Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration Begins July 1, 2026
Starting July 1, 2026, Medicare will begin a short-term demonstration, called the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, that will provide eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries with access to certain GLP-1 drugs.
What is the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge?
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is a short-term demonstration run by CMS that will provide eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries with access to certain GLP-1 drugs between July 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027.
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge will operate outside of the Medicare Part D benefit’s coverage and payment flow. As a result, Part D sponsors will not carry risk for eligible GLP-1 drugs furnished under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, and Part D sponsors do not have to opt in to the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge for eligible beneficiaries to access these drugs beginning July 1, 2026. In 2026, CMS will use a single central processor to manage prior authorization, claims adjudication, and payment to pharmacies for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge. Eligible beneficiaries will have a $50 monthly copay.
At this time, for the purposes of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, an eligible GLP-1 drug is any of the following products when used to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction: Foundayo®, Wegovy® (injection and tablets), and Zepbound® (KwikPen®).
To access GLP-1 medications via the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, an eligible beneficiary must have a medical provider submit a prior authorization request and a prescription for an eligible GLP-1 drug for a use covered under the demonstration.
To learn more you can visit the frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge - https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/prescription-drug-coverage/medicare-glp-1-bridge
