Massive Changes Coming to Medicare for GLP-1 Users w/ Joseph Zucchi, PA-C

Send us Fan Mail14 million seniors may qualify for $50/month Wegovy and Zepbound starting July 1, 2026. Here's exactly how the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program works and why the BMI threshold is lower than most people think.Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD sits down with Joe Zucchi, PA-C, a physician associate and obesity medicine specialist on the board of the New England Obesity Society, to break down the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program launching July 1, 2026. They cover who qualifies, which medications are included, the prior authorization process, what happens after the program expires in 2027, and the senior-specific nutrition risks to watch out for.IN THIS EPISODE- The three eligibility categories — including the BMI 27+ pre-diabetes pathway that may qualify millions- Which medications are covered: Wegovy injections, Wegovy pill, Zepbound QuickPen, and Foundayo- How to work with your provider on the prior authorization and what documentation actually matters- What happens after December 31, 2027 — and how the Balance Model is different- Senior-specific risks: muscle loss, sarcopenia, and how to avoid Medicare GLP-1 scamsABOUT THE GUESTJoseph Zucchi, PA-C is the Clinical Supervisor and Physician Associate at Transition Medical Weight Loss in Salem, New Hampshire, where he leads a multidisciplinary obesity medicine program. Under his clinical leadership, the practice has helped patients lose more than 50,000 pounds and has been named Best Weight Loss Center in New Hampshire for three consecutive years. Joe is a board member of the New England Obesity Society and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Bloomberg, Healthline, and the Boston Globe. Through his clinical work, teaching, writing, and advocacy, he is committed to advancing evidence-based obesity care and improving long-term health outcomes.CONNECT WITH JOEPractice: Transition Medical Weight Loss (Salem, NH) — https://TransitionSalem.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephzucchi/SPONSORSTimeline - http://timeline.com/GLP1HUB for 20% off your orderFolly — Hair support gummies for GLP-1 users. A 300-person study showed less shedding and fuller hair after 4 weeks. https://follynutrition.com/glp1hub — code GLP1HUB for 20% offRESOURCESMedicare GLP-1 Bridge Program info: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/prescription-drug-coverage/medicare-glp-1-bridgeCHAPTERS00:00  The BMI 27 surprise01:25  Meet Joe Zucchi, PA-C02:51  What the Medicare Bridge Program is06:14  Who qualifies: the three eligibility categories09:07  The prior authorization process14:32  Which medications are covered19:50  What if you're denied21:55  What happens after December 202725:18  Is this just a political promise28:35  Senior concerns and scam warningsMORE FROM GLP-1 HUB📬 Get The Steady State, Ana's weekly newsletter with GLP-1 guidance from a dietitian who's on one: http://join.glp-1hub.com🎙 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and if this episode helped, leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify - it's the single best way to help more people find the show.🌐 Shop GLP-1 essentials, meal plans, and recipes: https://shop.glp-1hub.com📷 Follow on Instagram: @glp1hub📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GLP-1hub*Some of the links shared are affiliate links. When you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.*The content of this show is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The goal of this show is to provide various points of view about GLP-1 Medications. The personal and professional opinion of the guests and their content does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Ana Reisdorf or GLP-1 Hub.