Medicare launches temporary program for affordable weight loss medications

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services launched a new temporary program on July 1, 2026, giving certain Medicare members access to GLP-1 weight-loss drugs at a reduced cost. Eligible patients pay a fixed $50 each month for their medication. The program runs until the end of 2027.

To qualify, a person must be enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan. However, people already using GLP-1 drugs to treat type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or a liver condition called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis cannot join, as they must continue using their standard Part D coverage instead.

Drug manufacturers agreed to supply the medications at a net price of $245 per month. CMS created the program to study how Medicare patients use these drugs before deciding on a longer-term policy.