Medicare Calls it a Bridge Program

And a lot of seniors hope it takes them to better health.

For Cheryl Avent, hope returned with a visit to the Medicare website and the realization that something she had been longing for was finally happening. Medicare, the health insurance program for seniors, was going to make GLP-1s available at a reduced price to eligible recipients. “You just don’t know, I started crying, I was so excited,” Cheryl explains.

GLP-1s are those super popular weight loss medications. But they come with super price tags. Without insurance, you can pay as little as $149 to as much as $1,400 a month. Under the Medicare Bridge Program, those who meet the requirements pay $50 a month. It is called the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program because it is a demonstration project. The subsidized prescriptions end at the end of 2027. 

Cheryl Avent

Cheryl immediately shared the online article with her bariatric physician, Dr. Angel Brown, who works at Cone Healthy Weight & Wellness at Weldon Village in Kernersville. “I am very excited about the Bridge program,” says Dr. Brown. “This is the first time that these medications are available to seniors at a reasonable price.  However, some of these weight loss medications have been available for older patients who have diabetes and some other conditions such as previous sleep apnea."

Dr. Brown says GLP-1s work essentially the same for both older and younger adults. GLP-1s can be safe for all patients who meet the criteria and do not have any contraindications to the medication, but the benefits may be different. Older individuals may get more cardiovascular benefits, but younger patients may be able to prevent some of the problems that occur with long-term obesity.

Cheryl has struggled with weight for decades. She is optimistic that GLP-1s will finally get her over the hump. Cheryl hopes to lose 60 pounds. “Well, 75” she admits.

Cheryl wants to walk on knees that won’t become painfully swollen over short distances. Her goal is simple. “I hope it will change how I feel and how I look,” Cheryl says.

“The medications are not a magic wand but can be quite effective with dietary changes and some increased activity,” Dr. Brown points out. But with meal planning and exercise they may be just what older adults are looking for.

“Losing weight is really difficult for some people,” Cheryl says in the tone of experience. “I’ve gone through everything. This is a blessing.”