GLP-1 weight loss drugs are now $50 a month for some Americans. Here’s who qualifies

A temporary federal program will make the popular drugs available to certain Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. Popular — and expensive — GLP-1 weight loss drugs just got a lot cheaper for many older Americans.Starting Wednesday, the federal government is offering a selection of the brand name medications to certain Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries for $50 a month through a new trial called Medicare GLP-1 Bridge.The temporary program, which runs until the end of 2027, is the first opportunity for most older adults to get GLP-1s, short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, covered by insurance when used strictly for weight loss. But there are weight and health requirements, and those who already get GLP-1s covered for diseases like diabetes and sleep apnea won’t qualify.Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said he hopes the program can help his agency collect data to potentially work toward longer-term coverage, while providing immediate relief to cash-strapped older Americans.“The sheer cost of these medications is a huge barrier to access,” he said in a call with reporters. “That ends today.”