Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Consultations in Georgia

Eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries may qualify for certain GLP-1 medications for weight management through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge.

Charis Healthcare provides clinician-led consultations for eligible Georgia patients who want to understand whether they may qualify, whether GLP-1 therapy may be clinically appropriate, and what next steps may be needed.

What Is the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge?

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is a short-term demonstration program from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
The program began on July 1, 2026 and is scheduled to run through December 31, 2027.
It was created to help eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries access certain GLP-1 medications for weight management under specific program rules.
The Bridge operates outside the standard Medicare Part D benefit flow. Eligible beneficiaries may pay a flat $50 copay per monthly supply for covered medications through the Bridge process.
Charis Healthcare can help eligible Georgia patients complete a clinical evaluation and, when appropriate, assist with the prior authorization process required by the program.

The $50 Bridge copay applies even if a patient has Extra Help/LIS. The Bridge copay does not count toward TrOOP.

Manufacturer coupons or savings cards cannot be applied to Bridge claims.

Covered Medications Under the Bridge

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge currently includes certain FDA-approved GLP-1 medications for weight management.

Covered medications include:

Foundayo®

Wegovy® injection and oral tablets

Zepbound® KwikPen only

The Bridge does not cover single-dose Zepbound vials or single-dose Zepbound pens.

Medication availability, formulation rules, eligibility criteria, and program requirements are determined by CMS and may change.

Who May Be Eligible?

You may be eligible for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge if you:

Have Medicare drug coverage, such as a standalone Medicare Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage

Are 18 or older

Are seeking GLP-1 therapy for weight management

Meet the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge clinical criteria based on BMI and certain health conditions

Are not already receiving GLP-1 coverage through your Medicare Part D plan for another covered diagnosis

Live in Georgia or are seeking care while located in Georgia, where Charis Healthcare currently provides this service

Eligibility is based on Medicare GLP-1 Bridge rules and clinical criteria.

Your Charis Healthcare provider can review your history and help determine whether a prior authorization request may be appropriate. Final coverage determination is made through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge prior authorization process.

Eligibility Is Based on Clinical Criteria

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge uses specific clinical criteria, including BMI and certain health conditions.
Some patients may qualify based on their BMI and health status at the time GLP-1 therapy was first initiated, not only their current BMI.
This can be important for patients who started GLP-1 therapy before July 1, 2026 and experienced weight loss while on treatment.
During your consultation, your Charis Healthcare provider can review your history, current medications, prior GLP-1 use, relevant diagnoses, and documentation needs.
Final eligibility is not guaranteed and is determined through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge prior authorization process.

Already Taking a GLP-1 Medication?

If you were already prescribed a GLP-1 medication for weight management before July 1, 2026, you may still be able to request review under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge.
Eligibility may be based on the clinical criteria that applied when GLP-1 therapy was first started.
Your provider may need to document or attest to qualifying information from the time treatment was initiated.
Charis Healthcare can review your history and help determine whether a Bridge prior authorization request may be appropriate.

Important Exclusions

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is not for every patient or every GLP-1 prescription.
You may not be eligible for the Bridge if your GLP-1 medication is already covered under standard Medicare Part D for another covered diagnosis, such as type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, or MASH.
Some Medicare plan types may also be excluded from the Bridge.
Your provider can help review your situation, but final eligibility is determined by the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge process.

Lifestyle Program Requirement

GLP-1 therapy under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge must be used as part of an ongoing lifestyle program that includes nutrition and physical activity, consistent with program requirements and the medication’s approved labeling.
Charis Healthcare’s approach includes clinical evaluation, education, practical lifestyle guidance, follow-up support, and monitoring when treatment is clinically appropriate.

Start Your Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Pre-Qualification Review

Complete the short pre-qualification form below so Charis Healthcare can review whether a Medicare GLP-1 Bridge consultation may be appropriate. Eligibility and coverage are not guaranteed and are determined through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge review and prior authorization process.

Call

(470) 604-9800

Email

[email protected]

In-person

70 Whitlock Place, Suite 100, Marietta, GA 30064

Virtual

Available statewide in Georgia

The Process

How the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Consultation Works

Book Your Consultation

Schedule a visit with Charis Healthcare. You will be asked to provide basic information, including your state of residence, so we can confirm service availability.

Complete a Clinical Evaluation

Your provider will review your health history, current medications, prior GLP-1 use if applicable, relevant diagnoses, and weight management goals.

Review Clinical Appropriateness

Your provider will determine whether GLP-1 therapy may be clinically appropriate for you and whether you may meet the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge criteria.

Prior Authorization Support When Appropriate

If your provider determines that a Bridge request may be appropriate, Charis Healthcare can assist with the prior authorization process.

Follow-Up and Ongoing Monitoring

If treatment is prescribed and approved, Charis Healthcare provides follow-up care to monitor response, review side effects, support lifestyle goals, and adjust the care plan when clinically appropriate.

Why choose us

Why Choose Charis Healthcare?

LegitScript-Certified Healthcare Provider

Charis Healthcare is LegitScript-certified, supporting our commitment to transparency, compliance, and responsible healthcare advertising.

Georgia-Based Care

Charis Healthcare is located in Marietta, Georgia and serves eligible patients in Georgia through in-person and virtual care options.

Clinician-Led Evaluation

Every consultation is based on clinical review. Charis Healthcare does not provide questionnaire-only prescribing or guaranteed medication access.

Medical Weight Management Support

Our approach considers your health history, goals, risk factors, medications, lifestyle, labs, and long-term health needs.

Follow-Up Care

The Bridge may help eligible patients access medication. Charis Healthcare supports the clinical care around the medication, including follow-up, monitoring, education, and care planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare normally cover weight loss medications?

Standard Medicare Part D has historically had limited coverage for medications prescribed solely for weight loss. The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is a temporary CMS demonstration program that may provide eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries access to certain GLP-1 medications for weight management.

How much does the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge cost?

Eligible beneficiaries may pay a flat $50 copay per monthly supply for covered medications through the Bridge process. Program costs, rules, and eligibility requirements are determined by CMS and may change.

Does my Medicare plan need to approve this?

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge operates outside the standard Medicare Part D payment flow. A prior authorization process is still required, but it is handled through the Bridge process rather than through the usual Part D plan approval pathway.

Can Charis Healthcare guarantee that I will qualify?

No. Charis Healthcare cannot guarantee eligibility, approval, medication access, cost, or treatment results. Your provider can review your history and assist with the process when clinically appropriate, but final coverage determination is made through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge prior authorization process.

What if I already started a GLP-1 before July 1, 2026?

You may still be able to request review under the Bridge. Eligibility may be based on the BMI and clinical criteria that applied when GLP-1 therapy was first initiated. Your provider may need to document or attest to qualifying information from that time.

What if I take a GLP-1 for type 2 diabetes?

If your GLP-1 medication is already covered under standard Medicare Part D for type 2 diabetes or another covered diagnosis, you may not be eligible for the Bridge for that medication. Your provider can review your situation and explain possible next steps.

Is Ozempic® covered under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge?

Ozempic® is not listed as a covered medication under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge for weight management. Wegovy® contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic® but is FDA-approved specifically for weight management and is among the covered options under the Bridge. If your provider determines that a GLP-1 for weight management is clinically appropriate, Wegovy® may be an option to discuss. Patients using GLP-1 therapy for diabetes or another covered diagnosis should continue to follow their current Medicare Part D coverage pathway and speak with their provider.

Can this visit be virtual?

Yes, virtual consultations are available for eligible Georgia patients when clinically appropriate and permitted under applicable telehealth rules. In-person visits are also available in Marietta, Georgia.

Does Charis Healthcare serve Medicare patients outside Georgia for this program?

For this Medicare GLP-1 Bridge consultation service, Charis Healthcare is currently serving Georgia patients only. Service availability may expand as credentialing and operational readiness expand to additional states.

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is a CMS demonstration program. Eligibility criteria, covered medications, copay amounts, formulation details, prior authorization requirements, and program rules are determined by CMS and are subject to change.
Charis Healthcare can assist with clinical evaluation and prior authorization support when clinically appropriate, but final eligibility and coverage determination are made through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge process. Not all patients are candidates for GLP-1 therapy. Prescription medications are prescribed only when clinically appropriate following an individual evaluation by a licensed provider.
GLP-1 medications carry risks and potential side effects, which your provider will review with you. Individual results vary. Medication availability, pharmacy fulfillment, and cost may vary based on program rules and clinical circumstances.
Virtual care is available only where permitted by law and when clinically appropriate. Services are currently offered for this program to eligible Georgia patients. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency care immediately.
Source for program details: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Medicare.gov.