July Launch: Lilly’s GLP-1 Bridge to Cover Foundayo, Zepbound at $50
LLY•Starting July 1, 2026, Medicare Part D’s new GLP-1 Bridge program will cover Lilly’s obesity treatments Foundayo and Zepbound at $50 per month through December 31, 2027, for eligible patients. Lilly estimates up to 20 million Medicare beneficiaries meet BMI criteria to access its top-prescribed injectable and once-daily oral pill.
1. Program Launch and Timeline
From July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027, Medicare Part D will cover Lilly’s obesity medicines Foundayo and Zepbound under the new GLP-1 Bridge program.
2. Patient Eligibility and Costs
Eligible beneficiaries with BMI ≥35 or BMI ≥27 plus weight-related conditions and valid Part D coverage can access each medicine for $50 per month subject to prior authorization and CMS criteria.
3. Drug Profiles and Clinical Data
Foundayo is a once-daily oral GLP-1 pill and Zepbound is the leading injectable; in Phase 3 trials, adults 65+ lost an average of 13% body weight on Foundayo and 14.1% on Zepbound’s maintenance dose.
4. Market Impact and Opportunity
Lilly estimates up to 20 million Medicare patients may qualify, establishing the first broad GLP-1 coverage in Medicare and potentially driving significant revenue growth in its obesity portfolio.
