Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program Looking to Expand Medication Access

For millions of Medicare beneficiaries who need GLP-1 medications but cannot afford them, the launch of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program on July 1 may represent one of the most meaningful shifts in drug access policy in recent memory.

In a recent conversation with Jay Bregman, founder and CEO of Andel, he broke down the current GLP-1 access landscape and what this new initiative could mean for patients, pharmacists, and the broader health care ecosystem.

He outlined the 3 primary pathways through which Americans currently access GLP-1 medications: employer-sponsored insurance plans, direct-to-consumer purchasing through manufacturer websites, and direct-to-employer programs like the one Andel operates within. Of these, employer coverage has been moving in the wrong direction, according to Bregman, with companies increasingly pulling back on GLP-1 benefits even as demand surges.

Bregman was clear that a significant unmet need still exists across the country, with many patients whose providers want them on GLP-1 therapy unable to access or sustain coverage for these medications due to cost.

He expressed strong confidence in the Medicare Bridge Program's ability to execute a consistent national rollout, citing the political momentum behind both GLP-1 access and broader drug pricing reform as key drivers that will keep implementation on track.

Listen through part 1 of our interview with Bregman and stay tuned for more expert insights on how the Bridge Program will continue to roll out throughout 2026.

READ MORE: FAQ: The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge—What Independent Pharmacists Need to Know