Medicare Update: Hundreds of Thousands Get GLP-1 Drugs for Just $50
Summary
More than 600,000 Medicare beneficiaries have signed up for a new program that lets them get weight-loss drugs, called GLP-1 medications, for just $50 a month. This program, which started in July 2024 and runs until the end of 2027, aims to make these expensive drugs more affordable for seniors.Key Facts
- The program is called the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program.
- It caps the monthly cost of certain GLP-1 weight-loss drugs at $50 for eligible seniors.
- GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound help treat obesity but used to cost over $1,000 per month.
- The program launched on July 1, 2024, and will last through December 31, 2027.
- Around 600,000 Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in the first two months.
- Eligible seniors generally must have Medicare Part D and meet certain health criteria.
- This is a temporary program to see how affordable drug access affects health and Medicare costs.
- Experts warn about possible higher costs if the program does not become permanent or integrated into regular Medicare coverage.
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