Rising Use of GLP-1 Medications and the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Initiative
The percentage of adults in the United States using GLP-1 medications for weight management has surged to approximately 11%, translating to around 40 million individuals. This increase aligns with the launch of a Medicare initiative that began on July 1, potentially driving further adoption. According to Gallup's National Health and Well-Being Index, the usage rate of GLP-1 drugs has risen significantly from nearly 3% in 2024, with 15% of surveyed respondents reporting the use of these drugs for weight management.
Medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound dominate this sector. The FDA first approved semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, for weight loss in 2021, prompting the entrance of similar medications into the market. This trend is poised to expand further with the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, an initiative by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is a pilot program allowing qualified Part D participants to access select GLP-1 medications at a fixed monthly copayment of $50 until the end of 2027. This program circumvents the typical Medicare Part D restrictions, which generally exclude weight loss medications, thus enabling access despite existing plan limitations. It covers medications including Foundayo, Wegovy, and Zepbound KwikPen.
Eligibility for the program requires participants to be at least 18 years old with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more, or a lower BMI if accompanied by health conditions like high blood pressure or prediabetes. The Bridge program's authorization is valid through December 31, 2027; however, it operates independently of Part D benefits, meaning the $50 copayment does not count toward a plan's deductible or out-of-pocket maximum and is not reduced by subsidies like Extra Help.
The rising use of GLP-1 medications correlates with a notable decrease in the national obesity rate, which fell from 39.9% in 2022 to 36.4% in 2026. Additionally, the prevalence of diabetes has stabilized since 2023, following years of growth, as reported by Gallup data. Further information about the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program can be accessed in the fact sheet provided by the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Sources, such as the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index and the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, offer valuable insights into current healthcare practices and ongoing developments within the insurance industry.