Novo Nordisk Medicare Coverage Expands Wegovy to 3.8 Million US Seniors

From July 1 2026 the U.S. Medicare "Bridge" demonstration program will allow eligible seniors to receive Novo Nordisk’s obesity injection Wegovy for a $50 monthly co‑pay. The program targets roughly 3.8 million beneficiaries with a body‑mass index above 35, or above 30 with qualifying comorbidities, and runs through the end of 2027. The federal government will cover about $245 per patient each month, but enrollment is not automatic; beneficiaries must be enrolled in a Part D drug plan, obtain a prescription and receive prior‑authorization approval.

A June survey found that 82 % of older Americans are unaware of the new coverage, reflecting limited public outreach by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the drug makers. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have spent hundreds of millions on advertising their obesity drugs, yet most of that promotion has not been directed at seniors. The rollout follows Novo Nordisk’s recent stock‑buyback programme of roughly 5.9 billion Danish crowns.

Experts warn that low awareness could delay treatment uptake, even as the program promises broader access to a drug that has been out of reach for many Americans.