More than 8 in 10 older Americans are unaware that Medicare has launched a new program to provide eligible beneficiaries access to certain GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, according to a new survey released as the federal initiative begins.
The poll, commissioned by the Obesity Care Advocacy Network, found that 82% of adults ages 65 and older had not heard of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, even though 27% said they medically qualify for obesity treatment.
The survey also found that 61% of respondents believe Medicare should cover obesity treatment the same way it covers other chronic diseases.
Among respondents who medically qualify for treatment, 82% said Medicare coverage of GLP-1 drugs is essential, while 80% said the coverage is important.
Sixty percent said they would be likely to switch Medicare plans to obtain GLP-1 coverage, compared with 35% of all adults age 65 and older.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Tuesday launched the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, a temporary demonstration program that gives eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries access to certain GLP-1 drugs through Dec. 31, 2027.
Eligible beneficiaries will pay a flat $50 co-pay for covered medications.
The demonstration operates outside Medicare Part D's traditional prescription drug benefit, meaning Part D deductibles will not apply, the co-pay will not count toward beneficiaries' true out-of-pocket costs and low-income subsidy recipients will not receive additional financial assistance for medications obtained through the program.
CMS said it will use a single central processor to handle prior authorization, claims processing, and pharmacy payments.
Medicare Part D plans will not bear financial risk for drugs provided through the demonstration and do not have to opt in for eligible beneficiaries to participate.
The agency said the demonstration is intended to expand access to GLP-1 medications while collecting utilization data that could inform future Medicare prescription drug policy, including possible implementation of the BALANCE model in Part D.
CMS is conducting the demonstration under authority granted by the Social Security Act to test payment and reimbursement models that could improve the efficiency and economy of Medicare-covered services.
People with Medicare can determine whether they qualify for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge by visiting Medicare.gov/glp1bridge or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.