LLY · Earnings call · 2026Q3T · Full report

Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program

ELI LILLY & Co · 2026-10-29 · Importance 34 · Surprise 42

More than half a million people had filled a Lilly prescription through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program since its July 1 launch, and seven out of ten new Bridge patients were starting on a Lilly obesity medicine. Management said about 75% of people entering Bridge were choosing injectable therapy, while roughly 80% of patients receiving treatment through the program were new to therapy. The company described the program's low out-of-pocket cost and simple criteria as supporting access and adherence, and said it expects Medicare and Medicaid to be important sources of expanded coverage in 2027.

Key facts

• Lilly expects the Bridge Program to move into the Part D benefit and expects to work with carriers for the 2028 calendar year.
• CMS will conduct its own analysis of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program because it is a pilot program.
• Lilly said an independent USC study estimates massive Medicare cost savings from the Bridge Program, beyond breakeven.
• Lilly said successful cost-effectiveness could lead to a legislative or regulatory shift to permanent coverage.
• Lilly expects strong early uptake and appropriate on-label use of medications in the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program.
• Lilly said it will work with the administration and its Part D coverage partners to support access across its portfolio and continue the program’s success.
• A University of Southern California Schaeffer Center paper estimated Medicare expansion of anti-obesity medications could generate over $20 billion in cumulative savings over 10 years.
• Through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program, more than half a million people had filled a prescription for a Lilly medicine since the July 1 launch.