Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Starts July 1: How to Get Wegovy or Zepbound for $50/Month on Medicare

# Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Starts July 1: How to Get Wegovy or Zepbound for $50/Month on Medicare

> **Quick answer:** Starting July 1, 2026, Medicare's GLP-1 Bridge program covers Wegovy, Zepbound (KwikPen only), and Foundayo at a flat $50 monthly copay for eligible Part D beneficiaries. There are three BMI pathways to qualify — you don't need a BMI of 35 to be eligible. If you already started GLP-1 therapy, your eligibility is based on your BMI when you first started, not today's BMI. You cannot simply show up at a pharmacy on July 1 — your doctor must submit a prior authorization request first. Call your prescriber now.

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for medical concerns about GLP-1 medications or Medicare eligibility. This is not a substitute for personalized medical or insurance guidance.*

Medicare GLP-1 coverage starts July 1, 2026 — a historic first for a program that has historically excluded obesity drugs entirely. For seniors on fixed incomes who have been paying $1,000 or more per month out of pocket, the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is a significant shift. But the program has specific eligibility rules, a prior authorization process that must be initiated before July 1, and limitations that are easy to misunderstand. This guide covers exactly who qualifies, which drugs are covered, and what you need to do in the next five weeks.

## What Is the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge — and How Long Does It Last?

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is a demonstration program run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It is temporary: it runs from **July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027**, giving Medicare beneficiaries an 18-month window of access to anti-obesity GLP-1 medications for the first time.