Medicare to cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss starting July 1. Here's what to know.

Medicare to cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss starting July 1 as part of a temporary bridge program that reduces costs for eligible beneficiaries. The coverage begins July 1, with patients paying a $50 monthly copay through Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, according to KFF Health News. The pilot expands access to weight-loss GLP-1 drugs from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, including Zepbound, Foundayo and Wegovy. It is the first time Medicare will help pay for GLP-1 prescriptions solely for obesity, not only for conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Coverage runs from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027, with no guaranteed extension afterward. Eligibility requires Part D enrollment, prior authorization, and BMI-based clinical criteria, while people already using GLP-1 under Part D for certain other conditions are not eligible.