Starting July 1, Medicare began a short-term demonstration, called the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, that provides eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries with access to certain GLP-1 drugs, often used to manage Type II diabetes and assist with weight loss.
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is operating outside of the Medicare Part D benefit’s coverage and payment flow. As a result, Part D sponsors will not carry risk for eligible GLP-1 drugs furnished under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, and Part D sponsors do not have to opt in to the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge for eligible beneficiaries to access these drugs beginning July 1.
In 2026, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will use a single central processor to manage prior authorization, claims adjudication, and payment to pharmacies for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge.
People with Medicare can learn about Medicare GLP-1 Bridge and check if they might qualify at Medicare.gov/glp1bridge and also utilize a fact sheet about the new program. They can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) with questions or to get more information. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
