How to write to your doctor about the Bridge
Your doctor reads dozens of portal messages a day. The ones that get acted on quickly share three traits: they're short, they contain the relevant facts, and they make the next step obvious. Here's how to write one — and what to do when your doctor hasn't heard of the program yet.
What belongs in the message
- What you're asking about: the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, starting July 1, 2026, for weight management.
- Your numbers: current BMI, and your BMI when you started GLP-1 therapy if you already take one.
- Diagnosed conditions relevant to the criteria pathways.
- Your coverage type, and whether a Part D plan has ever paid for a GLP-1 for you (if you pay cash, say so — it matters, in a good way).
- One clear ask: could we discuss whether this is appropriate at my next visit?
What to leave out
Skip "I qualify," "please approve me," and "I'm guaranteed the $50 copay" — those aren't yours or your doctor's to decide, and they put a clinician on the defensive. Skip your Medicare ID number entirely; your clinic already has it. And resist the urge to write your full weight-loss history — save it for the visit.
Sample language
Dear Dr. ____, I'd like to ask about the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program starting July 1 — it covers certain GLP-1 medications for weight management with a low fixed copay. My current BMI is about ____ (and was ____ when I started GLP-1 therapy, which I currently pay for out of pocket). I've been diagnosed with ____. From the published criteria, my situation appears worth reviewing, though I understand you'd confirm my chart and decide whether treatment is appropriate. Could we discuss it at my next visit? I have a one-page summary of the program's prescribing steps I can bring, since the program is new.
The "new program" problem — and your advantage
Many clinicians won't have prescribed through the Bridge yet, because it doesn't exist until July 1. The prescription needs specific routing (an E66 obesity diagnosis code and a "SEND TO BRIDGE FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT" note), and the prior authorization arrives through an unusual pharmacy-initiated flow. Offering your doctor a summary of those steps — like the clinician reference page in our doctor request packet — turns "let me look into this" into "let's do it."
The free screener writes a personalized version of this message from your answers, so you don't have to fill in the blanks yourself.
Frequently asked questions
What if my doctor has never heard of the Bridge?
Expect it — the program is brand new. Offer the prescribing-steps summary; it answers the questions your doctor would otherwise have to research.
Should I ask for a specific drug?
You can name what you'd like to discuss, but leave the choice to your clinician — they know your history and the covered options (Wegovy, Zepbound KwikPen, Foundayo).
Can I paste this into MyChart or another portal?
Yes — portals are ideal. Edit for accuracy, keep it brief, and never include your Medicare ID.
Sources and review status: Content reviewed June 12, 2026, based on published CMS materials including the prescriber fact sheet (CMS Product No. 12235). Check current CMS materials: CMS Bridge overview, beneficiary information, provider information.