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Find out how Medicare covers GLP-1s like Wegovy, Zepbound, and Ozempic in 2027, including the $50 Medicare GLP-1 Bridge.
Last updated October 2026
The Short Answer: Regular Medicare Part D still cannot cover GLP-1s used only for weight loss, but it can cover them for conditions like type 2 diabetes. Through December 31, 2027, the temporary Medicare GLP-1 Bridge lets eligible people with Medicare drug coverage get Wegovy, Zepbound KwikPen, or Foundayo for weight management for a $50 monthly copay, with prior authorization from their provider.
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is a temporary program from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It gives eligible people with Medicare drug coverage access to certain GLP-1 medications for weight management for a $50 copay per month. It was first set to end in 2026 and has been extended through December 31, 2027.
Who qualifies?
You must be 18 or older, have Medicare drug coverage (a stand-alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage), and meet one of these health standards when you start treatment:
If you were already taking a GLP-1 before the program started, you may still qualify if you met these standards when you began treatment, even if your BMI is lower now.
How to get started
CMS planned a longer-term program, called the BALANCE Model, but delayed it for Medicare after not enough drug plans signed on. What happens after the Bridge ends on December 31, 2027 has not been decided. We will update this page as CMS shares more.
Because the Bridge operates outside your regular Part D benefit, your plan choice does not change your $50 Bridge copay, as long as you have Medicare drug coverage. If you take a GLP-1 for diabetes or another covered condition, check each plan's drug list and costs for 2027 before you choose.
GLP-1s can be helpful, but they are not right for everyone. For older adults, it is especially important to eat enough protein, stay active, and keep regular checkups to protect muscle strength and overall health while losing weight.
Does Medicare cover Wegovy for weight loss?
Regular Part D cannot cover Wegovy only for weight loss. Through December 31, 2027, eligible people with Medicare drug coverage can get it for weight management for $50 a month through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge. Part D may also cover Wegovy to reduce heart risk in certain people.
Does Medicare cover Zepbound?
The Zepbound KwikPen is covered through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge for eligible people. Part D may cover Zepbound for other approved uses, like obstructive sleep apnea, depending on your plan.
Does Medicare cover Ozempic?
Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, and most Part D plans cover it for that use. It is not part of the Bridge program. Starting January 1, 2027, Medicare’s negotiated price for a 30-day supply of Ozempic is $274. This is not necessarily what you will pay. Your cost depends on your Part D plan, deductible, copay, or coinsurance.
Does the $50 Bridge copay count toward my Part D out-of-pocket limit?
No. Bridge copays do not count toward your Part D deductible or yearly out-of-pocket cap.
Do I need prior authorization?
Yes. Your provider submits a prior authorization request to Medicare's central Bridge processor confirming you meet the eligibility standards.
If you want help comparing plans side by side, these free resources are not tied to any insurance company:
If you are interested in a GLP-1, start with a conversation with your Hopscotch provider. Together you can talk about whether it is a safe, good fit for your health goals, and your provider can help with the next steps if you qualify. Call your local clinic to schedule an appointment.
Hopscotch Primary Care is a primary care provider, not an insurance company or agent. We do not sell, recommend, or endorse any Medicare plan. This article is for general education and is not insurance, legal, or medical advice. Plan details, costs, and availability vary by plan and location and can change each year.
Sources
CMS, Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: Information for Providers
Medicare.gov, Weight loss drugs coverage
NCOA, Expanding access to weight loss medications: the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program
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