WASHINGTON, DC — The Obesity Care Advocacy Network (OCAN) today praised the Trump administration’s continued commitment to expanding access to obesity treatments for older Americans and outlined a roadmap for the successful launch of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge this summer.

“We applaud the Trump administration for its unwavering commitment to improving access to comprehensive obesity care and extending the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge model through the end of 2027. This decision will ensure older Americans have continuity in their healthcare and access to life-changing medications," said Cristy Gallagher, OCAN’s coordinator. 

The administration’s focus on obesity care aligns with overwhelming demand from the public. According to a recent OCAN poll of over 2,130 Americans age 65 and older, nearly three-fourths (74%) of medically eligible older Americans view obesity treatment coverage as a top-tier health priority. Furthermore, the survey revealed that 60% of those who are eligible would consider coverage for obesity treatments when choosing their Medicare plans—underscoring that obesity care is now a primary benchmark for plan quality among older Americans.

With the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge set to launch on July 1, 2026, OCAN is shifting its focus to the critical work of informing the medical community and the public. Despite the high demand, OCAN’s polling found that 82% of older Americans remain unaware of these new Medicare programs.

“Our priority now is ensuring that no one is left behind due to a lack of information,” continued Cristy Gallagher. “As soon as CMS releases additional technical guidance in the coming weeks, OCAN will launch a comprehensive education initiative. We must ensure that providers understand the centralized prior authorization process and that patients know their eligibility.”

OCAN looks forward to working closely with the administration, healthcare providers, the patient community and pharmacies to ensure that the start of the program on July 1st is seamless for the millions of older Americans who have been waiting for access to these medicines.”

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