The ConfidentPatient:A Guide to NavigatingGLP-1s and Medicare

A man holds an umbrella which creates a canopy of a bright sky and flowers on the ground.

The science of obesity and aging

Weight was once blamed on willpower. Now we know obesity is a chronic disease rooted in genetics and hormones. For older adults, energy and independence mean a lot. Reaching a healthy weight isn’t about vanity – it’s about vitality.

GLP-1s have shown meaningful weight-loss results, but costs have made them out of reach for many Medicare recipients. That's changing.

In July 2026, Medicare will launch a new program for eligible patients focused on weight loss. This guide can help prepare you to speak with your doctor about what is right for you.

A senior man and woman smile and wave inside speech bubbles.

New Medicare coverage is coming

In July, a national bridge program will begin offering eligible Medicare recipients certain GLP-1s at a monthly copay. This temporary program lasts until the permanent program, the BALANCE model, begins in January 2027.

Eligibility depends on:

  • Enrollment in Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage.
  • A BMI of 35+, or lower when living with an eligible health condition.

If you're wondering whether a GLP-1 might be right for you, now is a good time to talk to your doctor. That way, when options open up, you’ll be ready.

Questions to ask your doctor

Whenever a new treatment is on the horizon, there’s a lot to consider. Preparation can turn a routine check-up into a meaningful conversation about your future.

Not sure where to begin? These questions can get you started:

Should I be concerned about my weight?

  • What weight is healthy for my age?
  • What does my BMI tell me about my health? What does it leave out?
  • Which of my symptoms could be related to obesity?
  • What factors make it harder for me to lose weight?

Am I a good candidate for GLP-1s?

  • Could GLP-s help me with my weight?
  • Do GLP-1s interact with my other medications?
  • How is it administered? How often?

What does the new Medicare program mean for me?

  • Do I meet the BMI and health criteria that Medicare will require?
  • What health conditions are eligible for someone with a BMI under 35?
  • If I start on the Medicare Bridge program, what is the plan for transitioning to the BALANCE Model in January 2027?

How would this treatment fit into my life?

  • Participation requires lifestyle modifications – what support programs are available to me?
  • How will we tell if the treatment is working?
  • How do we continue to build my strength while losing weight?
  • Is there a support group available for other patients like me?

Already on a GLP-1?

Eligibility depends on BMI at the time treatment began. Start by asking your doctor to confirm your starting BMI and connect you to resources to participate in the program.

Symptom Check-in

Beyond the BMI

Numbers only tell part of the story. Notebooks, phone apps, or calendars can be useful when tracking your symptoms. Before your visit, check in with your body. Make a note of anything that has changed – no matter how small.

In the past month, have you experienced any new or worsening:

☐ Fatigue
☐ Shortness of breath
☐ Digestion issues or reflux
☐ Skin irritations or rashes
☐ Joint pain or a change in mobility
☐ Trouble focusing and concentrating
☐ Sleep issues
☐ Depression or anxiety
☐ Impact on independence or ability to care for yourself

The Check-up
Thought bubbles contain images of a man hiking, a sunrise, and two hearts.

Remember what matters

Managing weight as you age is about staying independent and active, so you can be present for the moments that matter most.

Beyond the symptoms, consider sharing what’s important to you:

  • "I never used to get winded playing with my grandkids. Now I can’t keep up."
  • "Knee pain is cutting my hikes short."
  • "I’m so low on energy that it’s hard to get my day started."

Let your doctor know that quality of life is the ultimate goal. Looking forward to what comes next – that’s what real success looks like.

Download PDF