Who the demonstration will even look at

The dates and the drug list

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is open 1 July 2026 through 31 December 2027. The monthly amount is $50 for Wegovy (pen and pill), Foundayo, and Zepbound KwikPen only.

It is a CMS demonstration. It is not a finding that Medicare 'now covers weight-loss drugs' as ordinary Part D. VitalHound is not CMS and does not enroll anyone.

Coverage you must already have

The person needs Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D. Original Medicare without a drug plan is not a Bridge ticket. Medicaid-only is a state formulary question, not this demonstration.

A 2026 Part D fill for a GLP-1 generally closes Bridge. Stay on the Part D path or use manufacturer cash. Do not file a demonstration PA to duplicate a fill you already have.

BMI tiers the processor expects

Published screens are BMI ≥35; BMI ≥30 with listed heart or kidney conditions (for example HFpEF, uncontrolled hypertension, CKD stage 3); or BMI ≥27 with listed cardio-metabolic history (for example prediabetes, prior MI, prior stroke, PAD).

Self-reported numbers on a family form are not the chart. The visit that supports the PA must record height, weight, and date. If the numbers miss a tier, a clinician may still have diagnoses that land the file — or they may not.

Indications that must not use Bridge

Type 2 diabetes, moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, and MASH are treated as standard Part D indications. File those on Part D. Extra Help, if any, lives there. TrOOP credit lives there.

Money facts people skip

The $50 does not count toward the Part D deductible or TrOOP. Extra Help / LIS does not apply to Bridge. Commercial savings cards do not apply to Medicare.

If Bridge is the wrong path or the PA fails, manufacturer cash (often $149–$299) remains legal. Telehealth bundles near $449 are usually worse cash.

The cliff is already on the calendar

31 December 2027 ends the demonstration. Annual enrollment 15 October–7 December 2026 is for 2027 plans — still inside Bridge. The enrollment period in 2027 is when 2028 formularies replace the $50.