700,000 Seniors Start GLP-1 Therapy Under Medicare, 70% Use Eli Lilly Drugs

New data released this week provide the first quantitative look at how Medicare’s expanded coverage for glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) drugs has affected patient access since the policy took effect in July. The metrics, compiled by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, track enrollment, prescription fills, and out‑of‑pocket costs for beneficiaries eligible for the newly covered medications, which are used to manage type‑2 diabetes and obesity.

Preliminary figures show a marked increase in the number of Medicare recipients receiving GLP‑1 prescriptions, alongside a reduction in average copayment amounts compared with the pre‑July period. Analysts note that the broader coverage appears to be lowering financial barriers and facilitating earlier treatment initiation, though the report also highlights regional variations in uptake. The data will inform ongoing assessments of the program’s impact on health outcomes and future policy adjustments.