Almost one in five American adults have taken a GLP-1 medication at some point. But half of these people say the medication is hard to afford.

These medicines can support weight loss, manage type 2 diabetes, and lower heart disease risk, so for many people, they’re worth the cost.

But paying for them is now a little easier for some people. As of July 1, Medicare Part D covers certain weight-loss drugs, including GLP-1s. 

Keep reading for everything you need to know about medicare coverage of GLP-1s and how to access them through Bold Care.

What are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 medications are short for glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. They were originally developed to help manage insulin in people with type 2 diabetes. Today, they’ve expanded in popularity for their ability to help with weight loss in people with obesity.

How GLP-1 medications work

GLP-1 is a hormone your body makes naturally. Under normal circumstances, when you eat a meal, your digestive system slowly releases GLP-1 as food passes through. This hormone eventually signals to your brain that you’re full, and you stop eating.

These medications mimic this natural hormone, providing a steady signal to your brain that you’re full. This helps you eat less and lose weight over time. GLP-1s also reduce food cravings, helping you focus on nutritious foods that fuel your body. They also slow down your digestive system, which can keep you feeling full for longer, leading to weight loss.

Common types of GLP-1s

GLP-1s were originally only available as injections. You give yourself the shots at home, delivering the medication to fat tissue just under your skin. Now there are pill forms available as well, offered by Bold.

Popular types include:

• Semaglutide pill (Rybelsus)
• Orforglipron pill (Foundayo)
• Semaglutide injection (Ozempic, Wegovy)
• Tirzepatide injection (Mounjaro, Zepbound)

Side effects of GLP-1s

Side effects of these medications can include nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. If someone using them loses too much weight too quickly, they can also lose a lot of muscle. That’s why it’s important to eat plenty of protein and do strength training workouts regularly while taking GLP-1s. Your prescribing healthcare provider will also help you monitor your dosage. These actions can help you lose weight while still growing stronger and maintaining your independence. And Bold Care offers the only weight-management program designed for adults 65+ to protect lean muscle and strong bones — so you can lose weight while building strength and balance.

Common uses of GLP-1 medications

GLP-1 medications are approved by the FDA for three uses: treatment of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea.

But doctors and scientists are noticing more possible benefits of GLP-1s as more people use them. More research is needed to fully understand the potential uses.

For example, GLP-1s seem to be linked with lower rates of chronic kidney disease, strokes, and heart attacks in people with type 2 diabetes. They may also help alleviate knee pain caused by osteoarthritis in people with obesity.

These medications work best alongside lifestyle changes. Along with GLP-1s, you'll need to get regular exercise and eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet. Regaining lost weight is common in people who stop taking GLP-1s and haven’t adopted these healthy habits.

“Think of GLP-1 medication as a tool to help improve the effectiveness of dietary and exercise habits,” says Bold Care nurse practitioner Christa Steffensmeier. “If you lose weight with a GLP-1 medication, but do not improve these lifestyle habits, you can actually wind up being less healthy than you were at a higher weight. Continual, steady improvements of your exercise and nutritional habits will help you maintain a healthy weight.”

Medicare coverage of GLP-1s

Many health insurers cover GLP-1s for the management of type 2 diabetes. Insurance doesn’t always cover these medications for weight loss.

So you might be wondering: Does Medicare cover GLP-1s?

As of July 1, the answer is yes. Millions of people with Medicare gained coverage for GLP-1 weight-loss medications through the Medicare Bridge program.

“A significantly larger patient population will meet the new Bridge program requirements,” Steffensmeier says. “With broader access to these medications, more patients can lose weight safely to help treat current health problems and prevent others from developing.”

Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program is for eligible Medicare beneficiaries. They can get FDA-approved GLP-1s for a $50 monthly copay. Previously, many people were paying hundreds of dollars out of pocket for GLP-1s for weight loss. Others were pay hundreds of dollars in copays, even with insurance coverage, Steffensmeier says. Medicare coverage depends on your Part D enrollment status, plus whether or not you meet certain clinical criteria. Bold Care providers can help you understand your eligibility and benefits. 

Under the Bridge program, the $50 monthly copay won’t be part of any Part D deductible. That means even if you haven’t hit your deductible yet, GLP-1 medications will still only cost a $50 monthly copay. This copay doesn’t count toward the $2,100 yearly out-of-pocket limit for Medicare Part D prescription drug costs.

What GLP-1 is covered by Medicare?

Under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, the following FDA-approved GLP-1 medications are covered:

• Foundayo (pill)
• Wegovy (injection and tablets)
• Zepbound (KwikPen injection)

Does Medicare cover GLP-1 for weight loss?

Yes. As of July 2026, the FDA-approved medications listed above are covered under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program. This applies to medications “when used to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight,” according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Does Medicare cover GLP-1 for diabetes?

Yes. Medicare already covered GLP-1 medications for diabetes. The only change with the Bridge program that started in July 2026 is the medications are also covered for weight loss under Medicare.

Coverage for GLP-1s in prediabetes

Under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, Medicare covers GLP-1 medications if you have prediabetes plus a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher.

The same is true for those with a BMI of 27 or higher and a previous stroke or heart attack or symptomatic peripheral artery disease.

BMI compares your weight to your height to estimate how much body fat you have. You can check your BMI using an online calculator if you’re curious if you might be eligible for GLP-1s. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is generally considered overweight, while a BMI of 30 or higher is categorized as obesity.

Does Medicare cover GLP-1 for sleep apnea?

Yes, for adults with obesity. GLP-1 medications are covered by Medicare for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in people with obesity. OSA involves interruptions in breathing that disrupt sleep. It’s more common in people in larger bodies.

Zepbound is the only GLP-1 currently approved for sleep apnea. With exercise and a reduced-calorie diet, it can help people lose weight and improve their sleep apnea symptoms.

How to access GLP-1 medications for weight loss under the Medicare Bridge program

To access GLP-1s for weight loss under Medicare coverage, you’ll first need to make sure you’re enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan.

Then, you have to be 18 or older and have:

• A BMI of 35 or higher
• A BMI of 30 or higher, plus one of the following:
• • Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
  • Uncontrolled hypertension
  • Stage 3a or higher chronic kidney disease
• A BMI of 27 or higher, plus one of the following:
• • Prediabetes
  • A history of heart attack or stroke
  • Symptomatic peripheral artery disease

A healthcare provider must confirm you meet these eligibility criteria before they prescribe a GLP-1. With Bold Care, we’ll verify your eligibility, submit necessary documentation for the authorization of your prescription, and coordinate with your pharmacy to make sure all you have to do is pay your $50 copay.

You’ll also need to combine your medication with a balanced diet and increased physical activity. Bold Care providers can help you make nutritious meal choices and recommend home exercise to follow on our exercise platform. They’ll help you improve these habits first and consider adding on a GLP-1 medication later, Steffensmeier says.

Bold for weight management

Bold is uniquely positioned to help you along your weight-loss journey. Our doctor-supervised weight-management program is specifically designed for older adults. And 78% of Bold users pay $0 for their appointment.

Our weight-management plans include medication, personalized exercise and nutrition programming, and a dedicated care team for accountability. We'll help you lose fat and build muscle without logging your meals or tracking your calories.

If you're looking to lose weight safely and effectively, your success isn't measured just by the number on the scale. At Bold, we believe success also means maintaining your independence and continuing to do what you love in older age.

Talk to a Bold Care provider today. They'll help you find out if you’re eligible for Medicare coverage of GLP-1s and learn how to protect lean muscle and bone density while taking them.