WASHINGTON — Medicare on Wednesday began providing access to certain obesity drugs for the first time, expanding federal coverage of popular GLP-1 medications for eligible beneficiaries through a temporary program aimed at increasing access to weight-loss treatments.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, a short-term demonstration program that allows eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries to obtain certain GLP-1 drugs used for weight management, including Wegovy, Foundayo and the KwikPen formulation of Zepbound. The program is scheduled to run through Dec. 31, 2027.
CMS said eligible participants will have access to the medications for a $50 monthly copayment. The agency said the program is available nationwide for qualified Medicare beneficiaries with prescription drug coverage, including those enrolled in standalone Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage.
The move marks a shift in Medicare policy after years of restrictions on covering drugs prescribed specifically for weight loss. Medicare Part D has historically covered some GLP-1 medicines when used for other approved medical conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, but not solely for obesity treatment.
Under the new program, patients must receive a prescription from a qualified healthcare provider and may be required to complete prior authorization requirements. CMS said providers must certify that the medication is being used alongside a lifestyle program focused on diet and exercise.
The expanded access comes as demand for GLP-1 drugs has increased in recent years, driven by evidence showing significant weight loss benefits for some patients and growing interest in obesity as a chronic medical condition. Pharmaceutical companies including Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Company have developed widely used GLP-1-based treatments, including Wegovy and Zepbound.
CMS described the initiative as a demonstration project designed to evaluate access, costs and implementation of broader coverage approaches. The agency said the program operates separately from the standard Medicare Part D benefit payment structure.
Healthcare providers and policy analysts have monitored the expansion closely because of questions surrounding long-term affordability, continued access after the demonstration period ends and the impact of wider availability on demand for the medications.
CMS has not announced a permanent Medicare obesity-drug coverage policy beyond the current demonstration period. The agency said eligible beneficiaries can begin accessing covered GLP-1 medications through the program starting July 1, 2026.
