Medicare will cover certain GLP-1 drugs for weight reduction at a $50 copay per month starting July 1.
The federal pilot program, known as Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, will expire at the end of 2027.
The program operates outside standard Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs, so the Part D deductible does not apply, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Beneficiaries pay a flat $50 copay regardless of their coverage in the deductible phase or the initial coverage phase. But low-income subsidies, manufacturer coupons, and other discount programs cannot be used to reduce this copay.
Here is a breakdown of how the program will work…