CMS Extends Medicare's Short-Term Bridge Program for GLP-1 Obesity Drug Coverage

Summary: Medicare has some good news for people who need weight-loss medicine. They are extending a temporary program called the "GLP-1 Bridge" until the end of 2027. This means eligible people can keep getting their GLP-1 obesity shots for just a $50 copay.

However, the long-term plan, called the BALANCE model, is delayed. The problem is that these drugs are very expensive. Covering them could cost Medicare up to $35 billion over 10 years. Insurance companies are worried about losing money, so they didn't want to join the new plan. Right now, the government isn't sure how they will pay for these drugs in the future, but patients are safe for now.

For more details, see rssapp-endocrinologyadvisor-com at endocrinologyadvisor.com/news/cms-extends-medicares-short-term-bridge-program-for-glp-1-obesity-drug-coverage/ (opens in new tab)