26-878 Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program for Weight Loss Began July 1, 2026

Date: 07/17/26

Understand the prescribing and prior authorization requirements for eligible Medicare Part D patients

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program, a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) demonstration program, provides access to certain GLP-1 medications for eligible Medicare Part D patients using these medications for weight management. The program is available from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027.

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program is separate from Medicare Part D coverage and is available only for weight management. CMS will use a central processor to handle prior authorization, claims adjudication, and pharmacy payment. Medicare Advantage plans are not involved in the administration of this demonstration program.

Who may be eligible

Medicare Part D patients may be eligible if they:

• Meet CMS clinical eligibility criteria.
• Are prescribed an eligible GLP-1 medication for weight management.
• Do not have a Medicare Part D-covered indication for the medication.

Patients receiving GLP-1 medications through Medicare Part D for another medically accepted indication are not eligible for the program.

Eligible medications

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program currently includes:

• Wegovy^® (all formulations)
• Foundayo^® (all formulations)
• Zepbound^® (KwikPen only)

What providers need to do

1 Identify patients who may meet CMS eligibility criteria.

2 Submit the prescription through the standard prescribing process and include:

A  Obesity diagnosis code E66.

B The notation "SEND TO BRIDGE FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT."

3 Complete prior authorization requirements when requested. If an electronic prior authorization or fax request is not received within 72 hours, submit the CMS GLP-1 Bridge prior authorization form (available on the CMS Medicare GLP-1 Bridge provider resource page below) to the CMS-designated processor.

Need help? Contact us

For program details, visit the CMS Medicare GLP-1 Bridge provider resource page. You can also download Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Information for Prescribers (PDF).

For all other questions, contact the Provider Services Center at 800-929-9224 for Individual and Employer Group Plans, or 800-641-7761 for Medicare Supplement plans.

This information applies to Participating Physician Groups (PPGs), Physicians and Practitioners.