Walgreens Pharmacists Help Medicare Patients Navigate New Access to GLP‑1 Medications

Starting July 1, eligible patients can pay a $50 monthly copay to access certain GLP-1s, free delivery will be available in most states for select oral GLP-1 tablets

DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Walgreens is supporting the more than 56 million patients in the Medicare network that may be eligible for GLP-1 medications through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program. Walgreens pharmacists will help eligible Medicare patients navigate the new program at nearly 8,000 stores across the country. To get started, patients should speak with their healthcare provider about whether they may be eligible.

The Medicare Bridge program is a new nationwide initiative from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) designed to help eligible Medicare beneficiaries access select FDA-approved GLP-1 medications for weight management at a predictable and more affordable $50 monthly copay for those who qualify. The program launches July 1, 2026, and runs through December 31, 2027.

“Walgreens’ trusted pharmacists are trained to help patients navigate eligibility requirements and stay on track with treatment,” said Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer, Walgreens. “Every patient’s weight loss journey is different, and our pharmacists are here to help from the moment a patient first considers a GLP-1.”

A Pharmacist Explains the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program:

• Who is eligible for the Medicare Bridge program?
  • The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program may be available to eligible Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage (Part C) beneficiaries having prescription drug coverage who meet specific weight and health-related eligibility requirements and have received a GLP-1 prescription for weight loss and prior authorization through their provider. To better support patients as the Bridge program launches, Walgreens will be adding options to connect Medicare patients who are interested in GLP-1s for weight loss with providers who can assess their conditions and prescribe the medication, if eligible.
• What are the eligibility requirements for the Medicare Bridge program?
  • Patients must have eligible Medicare prescription drug coverage, meet certain weight and health-related requirements, and have received a prescription for weight loss and prior authorization through their provider.
• How much do patients pay for GLP-1 medications through the Medicare Bridge program?
  • Eligible Medicare patients will pay a $50 copay each month while the Medicare Bridge program is active.
• Which GLP-1 medications are included in the Medicare Bridge program?
  • Participating medications include Foundayo^® tablets, Wegovy^® pens, Wegovy^® tablets and Zepbound^® Kwikpen.
• How can patients get started with the Medicare Bridge program?
  • To get started, patients should speak with their healthcare provider about whether they may be eligible for the Medicare Bridge program.
• Can Walgreens pharmacists help patients navigate the Medicare Bridge program?
  • Walgreens pharmacists can help patients understand eligibility requirements, answer questions about participating medications and support them through their weight loss journey.
• How else can Walgreens support patients on their weight loss journey?
  • Walgreens has a variety of over-the-counter products that can help patients through their weight loss journey. Learn more about Walgreens products that can help fill nutritional gaps including vitamin and mineral supplementation and support hair thinning and common gastrointestinal side effects.

Patients interested in the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program can learn more here or visit their local Walgreens pharmacy for information and support.

About Walgreens

Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) proudly serves more than 9 million customers and patients each day across its nearly 8,000 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walgreens has approximately 211,000 team members, including roughly 85,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.