Medicare to cover GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for seniors under temporary Trump-backed program

Starting July 1, Medicare will make GLP-1 weight-loss drugs available to adults 65 and older at a cost of $50 per prescription through a new demonstration program.

The initiative, called Bridge, is described as temporary and extends a transitional coverage period that was intended to bridge the gap while private insurers considered voluntary coverage under a three‑year plan named BALANCE.

Private Medicare insurers declined to adopt the coverage voluntarily, leading the federal government to step in despite a law that normally prohibits Medicare from paying for obesity treatments. The administration is using a demonstration exception to provide the drugs.

Observers warn that once the program is established, political and administrative hurdles could make it hard to end, potentially turning a short‑term measure into a lasting entitlement.