Medicare is now covering some GLP-1 weight loss drugs for $50 a month through a new trial called Medicare GLP-1 Bridge. The temporary program, which runs until the end of 2027, is the first opportunity for most older adults to get GLP-1s covered by insurance when used strictly for weight loss.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, besides having Medicare drug coverage, you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher alongside another health condition, such as a past heart attack or stroke, prediabetes or another from a list on the CMS website.
The covered medications include drugmaker Eli Lilly’s Foundayo tablets and Zepbound KwikPens and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy injections and tablets. For those in the program, the cost is $50 per month, regardless of dosage.
Impact on Beneficiaries
For 78-year-old California resident Gloria Dralla, who lost some 40 pounds after buying lower-cost Wegovy in Europe, the Bridge program means being able to continue a treatment that has improved her life.
However, not everyone will have access to the drugs at an affordable price. Katie Smith, 71, in Virginia isn’t sure if she will be eligible for the program. She has a BMI of 33 but isn’t sure if she has another health condition that would allow her to meet the requirements.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
