Hi {{first_name}} -
A researcher from the University of Tennessee asked me to share this flyer for their GLP1 study. If you qualify, you can receive a $15 Amazon gift card. (I am not affiliated with this study; I just like to support GLP1 research + share opportunities that come across my desk).
Let’s get into it!
One of the biggest barriers to GLP-1 medications has always been the cost. When I first started, I initially had a coupon that made it $500/month. (Still expensive) But after a few months, the price suddenly jumped to $1500/month. This was not something I could pay long-term.
Luckily, since then, pricing has come down quite significantly, with pills starting at $149 and even branded injectables are below $500, but this still remains out of reach for many.
A new Medicare pilot program may be a step toward changing that.
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program, which launched last week, is designed to make certain GLP-1 medications more affordable for eligible Medicare beneficiaries, at around $50/month.
This is a big deal because Medicare has historically covered GLP-1 medications for only certain medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease, but not for weight loss.
So who qualifies?
The program is expected to apply to Medicare beneficiaries who:
Are enrolled in Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage
Meet certain BMI criteria, such as a BMI of 35 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with a related health condition
Receive a prescription from a healthcare provider
Complete the required prior authorization process
Are using the medication for weight loss or weight management, not for a condition already covered under Medicare, such as type 2 diabetes
This does not mean everyone on Medicare will automatically qualify, and it does not include every GLP-1 medication. It is also a temporary program (although I believe it will transition into another program once this one expires), so it is important to check the most current details before making any decisions.
You can learn more here. (I am unable to answer questions about Bridge eligibility, as I am not a provider. Please ask your doctor or listen to this episode of the podcast with Joseph Zucchi where he broke it all down.)
Why does this matter for everyone else?
Even if you are not on Medicare or do not qualify for this program, this program is going to impact pricing for ALL.
When Medicare negotiates lower-cost access, it puts pressure on drug manufacturers and insurance companies to rethink pricing. If millions more people become eligible for GLP-1s at a lower cost, it could increase competition, expand access, and make it harder to justify the extremely high out-of-pocket prices many people are paying now.
It does not mean prices will drop overnight.
But it may be one of the first signs that the GLP-1 market is shifting from “only accessible to people with excellent insurance or significant disposable income” toward a more sustainable pricing model. So I feel hopeful that eventually pricing will come down OR it will be more widely covered by insurance. We can hope right?
Sponsor of the Week
You know how I’m always talking about focusing on the fundamentals and not chasing extremes when it comes to health? Because while a lot of the conversation around GLP-1s focuses on weight loss, what I care about is protecting muscle.
Muscle is one of the most important indicators of long-term health and resilience as we age, especially for women. And muscle health is really an energy story.
Inside your muscle cells are mitochondria, the energy-producing structures that help power strength, recovery, and overall muscle function. As we age, mitochondrial function naturally declines, and that can impact everything from energy to maintaining muscle health and strength.
That’s one of the reasons I’ve added Mitopure gummies from Timeline into my routine. Mitopure contains clinically studied Urolithin A, which helps support mitochondrial renewal, basically helping your cells produce energy more efficiently. It’s a simple daily habit that supports healthy aging at the cellular level with just two sugar-free gummies a day. They’re vegan, cleanly formulated, and independently tested for quality.
If supporting muscle health, strength, and healthy aging is important to you, especially during midlife or while using a GLP-1 medication, Mitopure is worth considering.
Timeline’s clinically proven formula is now available at a new, lower price. Mitopure now starts at $79, and you can still get 20% off when you go to: timeline.com/GLP1HUB Again, that’s timeline.com/GLP1HUB for 20% off your order.
What’s Happening This Week
This week on the podcast, I shared two personal stories. One from Kelly Mooney, a photographer who was denied bariatric surgery and then was able to lose 90 pounds on GLP1. She talks about how GLP1 literally saved her from a life of pain and agony. (And now she is planning a trip to Italy!)
And another story from Emma Lidell, a GLP1 user from Sweden. She shares how challenging it is to get GLP1 in Sweden and how they approach it differently in different countries. I thought this was fascinating!
Over on YouTube, I posted a video about why people quit GLP1 after 3-6 months. (We only had 1 video last week because I was traveling! Back to our normally scheduled programming now.)
Thank you so much for being here! See you next week!
GLP1 Provider Recommendation
If you are looking for a GLP-1 provider who offers comprehensive care, check out Tyde Wellness. Tyde is built for long-term personalized support, with a care team you can message, GLP-1-specific nutrition guidance, and consultations where you can actually talk to a provider. They also offer microdose GLP-1 programs, hormone therapy, and longevity peptides.
Visit tydewellness.com/glp1hub and use code GLP1HUB50 for $50 off your first month.
*Some of the links in this email are affiliate links. When you make a purchase, I will make a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!