The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will offer eligible Medicare beneficiaries select GLP-1 medications for $50 per month from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027.
Medicare GLP-1 Bridge
Starting July 1, CMS will launch the nationwide Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, giving eligible Medicare Part D members access to select GLP-1 medications for $50 per monthly supply, with CMS centrally managing all prior authorizations and pharmacy payments.
Eligibility and Participation
To qualify for Medicare GLP-1 Bridge coverage, beneficiaries must meet prior authorization criteria and be enrolled in an eligible Part D plan (PDP or MA-PD), including special needs and employer/union group waiver plans. Those in private fee-for-service, cost contract, PACE, fallback, health care prepayment, or religious fraternal benefit plans are not eligible unless they also have a standalone PDP. Dually eligible members in qualifying Part D plans may also participate.
What Employers Should Know Before July 1
The CMS will continue working with providers, pharmacies, and manufacturers to roll out the program and will share more details for beneficiaries as it launches. Employers offering prescription drug coverage do not need to take any action but should be ready to direct Medicare-eligible employees, retirees, and COBRA participants to official Medicare resources if they have questions. Download the bulletin for more details.
