LCMC HEALTH EXPANDS ACCESS TO MEDICAL WEIGHT MANAGEMENT SERVICES THROUGH NEW CMS MEDICARE GLP-1 BRIDGE PROGRAM

NEW ORLEANS –LCMC Health announced today that eligible Medicare beneficiaries across its health system can now access covered GLP-1 medications for a $50 monthly copay through the recently launched Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program.

Launched on July 1, 2026, this temporary program runs through Dec. 31, 2027. It is specifically designed to eliminate financial barriers and expand access to FDA-approved weight management medications for Medicare Part D patients who previously faced limited coverage options for obesity treatments.

"Comprehensive medical weight management is an essential component of long-term cardiovascular, metabolic and overall health," Schonte? "For years, many of our Medicare patients faced significant out-of-pocket costs or lack of coverage for GLP-1 therapies prescribed for obesity. The CMS Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program allows our clinical teams to connect patients with effective, evidence-based treatments at an affordable rate of $50 per month."

Designed to reduce administrative burdens, the program requires no direct patient enrollment applications. Instead, LCMC Health care providers work seamlessly with network pharmacies and the CMS central processor to handle prior authorization and confirm eligibility. This coverage applies to Medicare Part D beneficiaries utilizing GLP-1 therapy for obesity and weight management who meet specific CMS medical criteria, such as defined BMI thresholds and co-occurring health conditions like uncontrolled hypertension, pre-diabetes or heart conditions.

Individuals can explore medical weight management options by scheduling a consultation with an LCMC Health primary care physician or weight management specialist to undergo a comprehensive clinical evaluation of their medical history, BMI and qualifying health criteria. If the patient is found to be eligible, the physician will manage the prescription submission by handling the required prior authorization paperwork directly through the CMS Bridge Program system.

Through a combination of lifestyle modifications, medical monitoring and affordable medication access under the new CMS model, LCMC Health remains dedicated to empowering patients toward sustainable health improvements.

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About LCMC Health

Established in 2009, LCMC Health is a Louisiana-based, not-for-profit hospital system serving the healthcare needs of the Gulf Coast region. LCMC Health currently manages Manning Family Children’s, East Jefferson General Hospital, Lakeside Hospital, Lakeview Hospital, New Orleans East Hospital, Touro, University Medical Center New Orleans and West Jefferson Medical Center.