Does Medicare cover GLP-1 for weight loss?

The weight-loss exclusion

By law, Medicare Part D excludes coverage of drugs used for weight loss. That's why, for years, Medicare beneficiaries couldn't get Wegovy or Zepbound covered for obesity even though the same molecules were covered for other conditions. Changing that permanently would take an act of Congress; a Biden-era proposal to reinterpret the rule for obesity was never finalized.

What Medicare does cover

• Type 2 diabetes: GLP-1s like Ozempic and Mounjaro are covered under Part D for diabetes.
• Cardiovascular risk: Wegovy is covered to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in people with established heart disease and obesity.

The GLP-1 Bridge program (2026–2027)

Starting July 1, 2026, the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge gives eligible Part D members access to Foundayo, Wegovy (injection or tablet), or Zepbound (KwikPen) for weight management at a $50 copay per 30-day supply. Eligibility is based on a BMI of 35 or higher, or 27 or higher with other clinical criteria. The program operates outside the standard Part D benefit and runs through December 31, 2027.

What comes next: the BALANCE Model

After the Bridge, CMS plans a longer-term demonstration — the BALANCE Model — scheduled to begin in 2027, testing broader approaches to covering obesity care in Medicare and Medicaid. As with any demonstration, details and timelines can change.

If you're not eligible or not enrolled

If the Bridge doesn't apply to you, the cash route still does: compounded GLP-1 through licensed telehealth runs from about $69/month (our top pick, Embody), versus $1,000+ at the pharmacy. See the cheapest options or check your state's Medicaid status.