The 2027 Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program
Recognizing demand for obesity care, federal officials planned to introduce a permanent weight-management model called the BALANCE Model in 2027. However, administrative delays prevented that program from launching on schedule.
To protect beneficiaries needing care, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services extended a dedicated temporary demonstration project called the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program.
Running from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027, this initiative allows qualified enrollees to obtain specific anti-obesity medications directly for weight management.
Covered Medications and Exclusions
Under the Bridge program, eligible enrollees can access Wegovy in injectable and oral tablet formulations. The program also covers Foundayo (orforglipron tablets), an oral daily GLP-1 receptor agonist.
The Bridge program also covers Zepbound, but with a strict limitation: it covers only the multi-dose KwikPen formulation, while single-dose autoinjector pens and liquid vials remain completely excluded.
Ozempic is excluded from the Bridge program entirely because standard Part D already covers it for its approved type 2 diabetes indication.
Clinical and Program Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Bridge program, you must be at least 18 years old and enrolled in an active Part D plan.
Enrollees in Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) plans cannot participate. You also cannot participate if you currently receive a GLP-1 medication through regular Part D.
Furthermore, you must not have conditions that already qualify for standard Part D coverage, including type 2 diabetes, moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, or fatty liver disease.
Clinically, your doctor must document a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with other specific weight-related health criteria.
Fixed Out-of-Pocket Costs and Benefit Separation
Bridge program participants pay a flat $50 copayment for a 30-day supply, regardless of monthly household income level.
Because the Bridge program operates outside standard Part D, your $50 monthly payment does not count toward your Part D deductible.
Likewise, these payments do not apply toward your annual Part D out-of-pocket maximum, and you cannot use the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan to spread out Bridge copayments.
