Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: $50/month weight-loss drugs for seniors

On July 1, 2026, CMS launched the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, offering eligible Part D enrollees Wegovy, Zepbound, and Eli Lilly’s new obesity pill Foundayo for a flat $50 per month through December 31, 2027. Eligibility covers beneficiaries with BMI over 35, over 30 with qualifying conditions, or 27–30 with qualifying conditions, per the coverage reports.

Dr. Mehmet Oz has called the drugs “life-changing and life-saving,” and said the program exists “to improve access, encourage better health outcomes and gather the data needed to inform future innovation.” Early uptake was substantial: Reuters reported on August 31, 2026, that roughly 600,000 seniors signed up in the first two months, while AARP put the figure over 500,000. CVS reported filling more than 100,000 prescriptions through the program.

Timeline

• July 1, 2026 — CMS officially launches the $50/month GLP-1 Bridge for eligible Medicare Part D enrollees (Wegovy, Zepbound, Foundayo; through Dec 31, 2027); Oz calls the drugs “life-changing and life-saving.” (Healthcare Finance News)
• August 31, 2026 — Reuters reports ~600,000 seniors signed up in the first two months; AARP puts the figure over 500,000; CVS fills >100,000 prescriptions. (Reuters)