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

Summary: Medicare has some good news for seniors taking weight-loss drugs (known as GLP-1s). They are extending a special "Bridge" program through the end of 2027. This means eligible people can keep getting their obesity medicine for just a $50 copay.

Originally, a new long-term plan called the BALANCE model was supposed to start, but it got delayed. Why? Because these drugs are incredibly expensive! It could cost Medicare up to $35 billion over 10 years, and insurance companies were worried about the massive price tag. Even with discounts, the math just wasn't working out for the insurance plans. So, for now, the $50 deal stays in place while the government tries to figure out a way to pay for it all in the future.

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