Beginning July 1, 2026, Medicare will begin covering GLP-1 medications for weight loss through a Bridge Program. This program is separate from Medicare Part D drug plan, and the GLP-1 medications are approved through a different central processing system.
Wegovy (semaglutide), Zepbound (tirzepatide), and Foundayo (orforglipron) are the three medications approved with this program. They work on the GLP-1 receptors in many body locations, such as the pancreas, intestine, stomach, brain, heart, and kidneys. These medications are known as “agonists” and “turn on the receptor” in the body. One example is in the stomach: the GLP-1 agonist medications “turn on” the Vagus nerve to send a feeling of fullness signal to the brain.
The image below shows the impact of GLP-1 medications on various organs in the body.
As you can see, these medications help with not only weight loss and diabetes, but heart disease and brain function. Over the course of the next few years, I’m excited that we will continue to learn more about GLP-1 medications and the positive impacts they can have on our health beyond weight loss!
To qualify for the Medicare Bridge program, a person must be 18 years or older. Additional criteria include:
Meet one of the following:
- BMI >35
- BMI>30 with health conditions such as Heart Failure, Uncontrolled Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease
- BMI >27 with prediabetes, history of heart attack, peripheral artery disease
- Have a Medicare prescription drug coverage, either Part D or a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes drug coverage
- Requires Prior Authorization from the centralized Bridge Program
For those who qualify, the cost is no more than $50.00 per month.
North Star Family Medicine is available to answer questions, prescribe and monitor medications, and is available to educate you about the risks and benefits of the GLP-1 receptor medications.
For more information on the risks, benefits, and side effects of these medications, please refer to our blog post by Karen Marschel, RDN LD CDCES, “Considering or Taking a GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication?” She offers excellent advice on the appropriate diet and ways to limit the side effects.
Lastly, the reference links below are also excellent resources!
Frontiers | GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Beyond Their Pancreatic Effects
GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drug Demonstration Begins July 2026 – Medicare Rights Center
