Novo Nordisk announced the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, a new access program making Wegovy (semaglutide) available to eligible Medicare beneficiaries for a $50 monthly copay through the end of 2027.

The program, which went into effect on July 1, 2026, is available nationwide across all states and territories, marking the first time millions of older adults living with obesity have had a structured pathway to the FDA-approved weight management medicine.

Wegovy is available through the program in both injection and pill form. The injection is offered in doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.7 mg, 2.4 mg and 7.2 mg, while the pill is available in 1.5 mg, 4 mg, 9 mg and 25 mg doses.¹

Why does this matter for medicare patients?

Obesity is a serious and common chronic disease among older Americans, and the patient population carries a disproportionately high burden of cardiovascular disease.² Wegovy is the only FDA-approved weight management medicine to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death in people with obesity and known heart disease.¹

Prior to the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, Medicare coverage for weight management medications was largely unavailable, leaving many eligible patients without an affordable route to treatment.² The program is designed specifically to address that gap, providing access to Wegovy for weight management purposes.

Medicare beneficiaries who qualify for other FDA-approved indications, such as reducing cardiovascular risk in adults with established CV disease and obesity or overweight will continue to access the drug through their normal Part D benefits.¹

How can patients access the program?

Enrollment follows a three-step process. Patients first speak with their doctor to determine whether Wegovy is appropriate and whether they may qualify for the Bridge program. The physician then sends a prescription to a pharmacy and submits a prior authorization to CMS when requested by the pharmacy on the patient's behalf. Once approved, patients pay $50 for a one-month supply at the pharmacy, and refills do not require a new prior authorization as long as the patient remains on the same GLP-1 medication.¹

"For many older Americans living with obesity, this is a moment they and their families have been waiting for," said Jamey Millar, executive vice president of U.S. Operations at Novo Nordisk. "The fact that Wegovy is the only weight loss medicine proven to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death in patients with known heart disease and obesity makes this access moment particularly important for eligible Medicare beneficiaries."

Joe Nadglowski, president and CEO of the Obesity Action Coalition, called the program a meaningful step forward while noting that more work remains. "This program offers new hope for Medicare beneficiaries who may finally be able to access obesity medications at an affordable cost. While the Bridge is an important milestone, it should also be a catalyst for creating a permanent pathway to comprehensive obesity care within Medicare and across private insurance as well."

Following the announcement, Novo Nordisk says it is working with CMS, healthcare professionals, pharmacists and patient advocacy organizations to support the program's rollout. The company framed the Bridge as part of a broader effort to expand access to authentic, FDA-approved Wegovy, which has included initiatives such as NovoCare Pharmacy, telehealth collaborations and retail partnerships.

Sources

1. Wegovy is now accessible to eligible Medicare beneficiaries living with obesity through Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Novo Nordisk July 1, 2026 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wegovy-is-now-accessible-to-eligible-medicare-beneficiaries-living-with-obesity-through-medicare-glp-1-bridge-302815200.html
2. Medicare to cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss starting July 1. Here's what to know. CBS News June 29, 2026 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/medicare-glp1-weight-loss-drug-coverage-july-1/