Beginning July 1, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will launch the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program, a demonstration program designed to expand access to FDA-approved obesity medications for eligible Medicare beneficiaries.

Obesity is a chronic disease that affects millions of Americans and increases the risk of numerous health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, hypertension, arthritis, and more. Yet many Medicare beneficiaries have historically faced barriers to accessing comprehensive obesity treatment and anti-obesity medications.

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program was created to help address these gaps by providing eligible Medicare beneficiaries access to covered anti-obesity medications at a fixed monthly cost.

Who May Benefit?

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program may benefit Medicare beneficiaries who have:

• Obesity (BMI of 35 or greater)

• Overweight and Obesity (BMI of 27-34) with weight-related medical conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, sleep apnea, prediabetes, arthritis, or cardiovascular disease

• Other health concerns where excess weight is contributing to health risks and reduced quality of life

Eligibility is determined through a medical evaluation and must meet CMS program requirements.

Program Cost

Eligible beneficiaries enrolled in the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program may obtain weight loss medications for $50 per month.

Patients remain responsible for the cost of routine medical visits, laboratory testing, imaging studies, and other healthcare services according to their insurance benefits.

No Referral Required

Weight In Gold Wellness is now evaluating Medicare patients who may qualify for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program.

Patients do not need a referral to establish care and may schedule directly with the practice.

Appointments are available in Madison and Watertown, as well as through telehealth when appropriate.

Weight In Gold Wellness provides comprehensive obesity medicine and cardiometabolic care, including evaluation of weight-related conditions, nutrition counseling, lifestyle interventions, medication management, body composition analysis, and FibroScan® liver assessments when clinically appropriate.

"Obesity is a complex chronic disease that deserves the same evidence-based treatment approach as any other chronic medical condition," said Dr. Leslie Golden, Founder and CEO of Weight In Gold Wellness. "The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program represents an important opportunity for eligible Medicare beneficiaries to access treatment options that previously may have been out of reach."

Individuals interested in learning more about the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program or determining their eligibility are encouraged to contact Weight In Gold Wellness directly.

Weight In Gold Wellness is an insurance-based obesity medicine and cardiometabolic health practice serving adults and children throughout Wisconsin. The practice's mission is transforming mind and body to find health beyond the scale.