NewsTimes of San DiegoSeptember 1, 2026San Diego
Medicare launches 18-month pilot program capping GLP-1 drug costs at $50 per month
Medicare has initiated an 18-month pilot program that reduces the out-of-pocket cost for GLP-1 weight-loss medications to $50 per month for eligible enrollees. However, the program includes specific eligibility requirements that exclude some patients who require the medication.
Read the full story at Times of San DiegoWhy It Matters
This program changes the monthly cost of medications from as much as $750 to $50 for qualifying Medicare beneficiaries over an 18-month period.
Key Facts
- Medicare has launched an 18-month pilot program for GLP-1 medications.
- The program caps out-of-pocket costs at $50 per month for eligible participants.
- Prior to the program, costs for medications like Zepbound could reach $750 per month.
- Not all patients prescribed GLP-1 medications meet the eligibility requirements for the pilot.
Who's Mentioned
otherZepbound“Weight loss medication”organizationCenters for Medicare and Medicaid Services“The federal agency administering the Medicare program and the Bridge pilot.”personJeff La Marca“A 68-year-old Medicare beneficiary denied access to the Bridge program due to hi”personTaylor Lacy“Primary care physician at Sunflower Medical Group.”organizationAHIP“Trade group for the health insurance industry.”personJuliette Cubanski“Director of the Medicare Policy Program at KFF.”organizationKFF“Independent health policy research and journalism organization.”organizationMedicare“Federal health insurance program launching the pilot”