Managing your weight can get harder as you age. With the recent interest in GLP-1 medications for weight loss, you may wonder if Medicare covers GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss. Medicare doesn't currently cover GLP-1 for weight loss. However, starting July 1, 2026, a temporary program called the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge will provide limited coverage to some weight loss drugs. Here’s a closer look into Medicare coverage for GLP-1 weight loss drugs. Key points Medicare Part D doesn’t currently cover weight loss medications when used only for weight loss. Drugs like Ozempic® and Wegovy® may be covered by Part D if prescribed for diabetes management or cardiovascular disease. Starting July 1, 2026, the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program will give eligible Part D plan members access to Foundayo®, Wegovy® (injection or tablet), or Zepbound® (KwikPen®) weight loss medications for a $50 copayment for each 30-day supply. The Bridge program will run through Dec. 31, 2027, until a new program, the Better Approaches to Lifestyle and Nutrition for Comprehensive hEalth (BALANCE) Model, is scheduled to begin.   What is the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge? The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is a temporary program that gives immediate access to certain GLP-1 medications for weight loss. You must be enrolled in Part D to participate; however, it will operate outside of the Part D benefit payment flow. The program starts July 1, 2026, and is scheduled to end December 31, 2027. Here are some important details about the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge.1 Who qualifies? To qualify for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, you must: be actively enrolled in a standalone prescription drug plan (PDP) or Medicare Advantage (MA) coordinated care plan that offers prescription drug coverage (MAPD) be diagnosed with obesity by your doctor show a medical need for pharmacological intervention as part of a weight management plan Which GLP-1 drugs are covered? The Bridge program currently covers specific GLP-1 medications that hold FDA approval for weight loss. This includes Foundayo®, Wegovy® (injection and tablets), and Zepbound® (KwikPen®). What are the costs under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge? Eligible beneficiaries will only pay a $50 copayment for each 30-day supply of their weight loss medication. What is the GLP-1 process? First, your doctor must submit a prior authorization request and the prescription to a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) central processor. Next, the central processor reviews the documentation to ensure you qualify. Once approved, the processor pays the claim, and the pharmacy coordinates the release of your medication. What are the GLP-1 Bridge limitations? The GLP-1 Bridge only covers medications when they’re prescribed for weight loss. If you need a GLP-1 drug for type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular risk reduction, you must process that through a standard Part D plan. What is the BALANCE Model? The BALANCE Model is a different GLP-1 program being created to replace the Bridge program. In April 2026, CMS announced it is delaying implementation of the Medicare Part D portion of the BALANCE model for the Calendar Year (CY) 2027. What are GLP-1 medications? GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. These medications were created to treat type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now approved several GLP-1 medications for chronic weight management in adults with obesity. Does Medicare cover GLP-1 weight loss drugs as of June 2026? No. Standard Medicare Part D prescription drug plans don’t cover GLP-1 medications only for weight loss. Part D may cover drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy if they’re prescribed for diabetes management or cardiovascular disease.