Last reviewed Oct 16, 2026

Does Medicare cover weight-loss pills?

Short answer: Yes, for eligible people, temporarily. Since July 1, 2026, the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge covers Foundayo, the Wegovy pill or injection, and Zepbound KwikPen for weight management at a $50 monthly copay. You need Medicare drug coverage (such as a Part D plan or an eligible Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage), you must meet BMI and health criteria, and your prescriber handles a prior authorization.

Which drugs are covered

Foundayo (tablet)
Wegovy (tablet or injection)
Zepbound (KwikPen only; single-dose vials and pens aren't covered)

Who qualifies

You must have Medicare drug coverage through one of the plan types Medicare lists: a standalone Part D plan, a Medicare Advantage coordinated care plan with drug coverage (HMO, HMO-POS, or local or regional PPO), a Special Needs Plan, an employer group plan (EGWP) or LI NET. Not sure which you have? Your plan card or 1-800-MEDICARE can tell you. You must also be 18+ and meet one of these when you start the GLP-1:

BMI	Plus
35 or higher	Nothing else required
30 or higher	Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (diastolic heart failure), uncontrolled high blood pressure, or chronic kidney disease stage 3a or higher
27 or higher	Prediabetes, a previous heart attack or stroke, or peripheral artery disease with symptoms

Who is not eligible for the Bridge

People who already get a GLP-1 covered through their Part D plan.
People with type 2 diabetes, moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, or fatty liver disease. Medicare notes your regular Part D plan may cover a GLP-1 for those conditions instead.

What it costs

$50 copay for a one-month supply (28 or 30 days, depending on the drug). It doesn't go up as your dose increases.
The $50 does not count toward your Part D deductible or out-of-pocket limit.
Extra Help can't lower it, and it can't be spread out with the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan.
Manufacturer savings cards can't be used with Medicare.

How to get it

Talk with a prescriber about whether a GLP-1 is right for you.
Your prescriber sends the prescription to your pharmacy and completes the prior authorization when asked, certifying you're using the drug alongside a diet-and-exercise program.
The pharmacy may ask for your Medicare Number or the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.
You'll get a letter confirming Bridge coverage. Your prior authorization stays valid, including refills and dose changes, through Dec 31, 2027, unless you switch GLP-1s.

Questions about eligibility or your prior authorization status: call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). The Bridge is temporary and runs through Dec 31, 2027; whether a longer-term Medicare program follows in 2028 hasn't been decided.

PillForWeight is an independent information site. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or CMS, and we don't sell or enroll anyone in Medicare plans.

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FAQ

Does Medicare pay for Wegovy pills for weight loss?

Through the temporary Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, eligible Part D enrollees can get the Wegovy pill, Wegovy injection, Foundayo, or Zepbound KwikPen for a $50 monthly copay with prior authorization.

What BMI do you need for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge?

A BMI of 35 or higher; or 30 or higher with diastolic heart failure, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or stage 3a+ chronic kidney disease; or 27 or higher with prediabetes, a prior heart attack or stroke, or symptomatic peripheral artery disease.

Who can't use the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge?

People already getting a GLP-1 through Part D, and people with type 2 diabetes, moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, or fatty liver disease. Their Part D plan may cover a GLP-1 for those conditions instead.