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As of July 1, Medicare Covers Wegovy for Weight Loss at $50 a Month. The Eligibility List Is Short.
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Key Points:
- Starting July 1, 2026, some Medicare beneficiaries can access GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Wegovy for a $50 monthly copay through the temporary Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which runs through December 31, 2027.
- Eligibility is limited to adults enrolled in eligible Medicare drug plans with specific BMI and comorbidity criteria, and excludes those with type 2 diabetes, moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, or certain liver conditions, narrowing the qualifying population.
- The program operates outside Medicare Part D, so the $50 copay does not count toward Part D deductibles or out-of-pocket caps, and beneficiaries must still pay their regular Part D premiums and surcharges.
- Patients currently receiving GLP-1 drugs under Part D or prescribed them for indications covered by Part D are not eligible for the Bridge and must follow their Part D plan’s coverage and cost-sharing rules.
- Beneficiaries should verify Part D enrollment, confirm eligibility criteria with their healthcare provider, and understand that the Bridge is a limited, lower-cost option rather than broad Medicare coverage for weight-loss medications.
