New Medicare Help for Weight-Loss Medicine
If you have Medicare, you may now be able to get certain weight-loss shots and pills for a lower price. Your local Express Rx pharmacist can help you find out if you qualify.
What is the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program?
Medicare started a new program to help people get weight-loss medicine. It is called the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program. GLP-1 (say it like "G-L-P-one") medicines help many people lose weight.
In the past, Medicare did not usually pay for medicine used only for weight loss. This new program changes that for a short time. It runs from July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027. If you qualify, you would pay about $50 each month for the medicine. That is much less than the regular price.
Why this could help you
Lower cost
Pay about $50 a month instead of the full price.
Made for weight loss
The medicine is for adults who need help managing their weight.
We do the hard part
Your Express Rx pharmacist works with you and your doctor to handle the paperwork.
Who may be able to join?
You may qualify if all of these are true:
- You have a Medicare Part D drug plan (most Medicare drug plans count).
- You cannot get this weight-loss medicine through your regular plan.
- A doctor says you need it to help manage your weight.
- You agree to work on healthy eating and staying active, too.
Not sure if you qualify? That's okay. Talk to your local Express Rx pharmacist and we will help you check.
Which medicines are part of the program?
Your doctor will choose the medicine that is right for you. The program covers:
shot or pill
KwikPen® only
tablet
Your doctor decides what is safe and best for you.
How to get started — 3 easy steps
Talk to your doctor
Ask your doctor if a weight-loss medicine is right for you. Your doctor must write a prescription and send a short approval form (called a "prior authorization").
Bring it to your Express Rx
Send your prescription to your local Express Rx. We will check if you qualify and take care of the program paperwork for you.
Pick up your medicine
When it's ready, you pay about $50 for the month and pick it up. We'll text you when it's ready.
Want to know if you qualify?
Stop in or reach out to your local Express Rx. Our friendly team is happy to answer your questions. There is no cost to ask.
📍 Find Your Express Rx StoreCommon questions
How much will I pay?
About $50 each month for the medicine. This is set by the Medicare program. (Note: this $50 does not count toward your plan's deductible or yearly out-of-pocket limit.)
Do I need to sign up for the program?
No. You do not sign up separately. Your doctor and Express Rx help get you approved. We do the steps for you.
How long does the program last?
It runs from July 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027. It is a short-term program, so it helps to start soon.
Do I need a prescription?
Yes. A doctor must say the medicine is right for you and send a prescription plus an approval form. We can help guide you and your doctor.
What if I already get my GLP-1 through my plan?
If your regular Medicare plan already covers it, you would keep using your plan. This program is for people who cannot get it through their plan. Your Express Rx pharmacist can help you sort it out.
Where can I learn more?
You can read about the program and check if you might qualify at the official Medicare website: Medicare.gov/glp1bridge. You can also call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Or just ask your Express Rx pharmacist.
Please note: The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is a temporary demonstration program from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Eligibility, covered medicines, and costs are set by CMS and may change. This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about what is right for you. Express Rx does not decide who qualifies — Medicare does.
Learn more at the official Medicare and CMS pages: Medicare.gov/glp1bridge | cms.gov — Medicare GLP-1 Bridge. You can also call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).