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The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: Access, Affordability & the Pharmacist’s Role | TWIRx
Description
A federal audit found that Medicare Part D sponsors made approximately $587.7 million in ineligible payments from 2021 through 2023 for medications that had effectively transitioned from prescription to over-the-counter status.
The HHS Office of Inspector General cited outdated FDA information and the lack of a clear CMS rejection timeline as major contributors.
Why it matters: This exposes a serious coordination problem across FDA data, manufacturers, CMS, health plans and pharmacy claims systems.
Pharmacists may see the rejection or payment issue at the counter, but the failure often begins far upstream.
Read the Fierce Healthcare report
Read the HHS-OIG audit
The FDA is working with six manufacturers to improve access to estradiol transdermal patches amid increased demand.
While FDA has not declared a national shortage, availability varies by product, strength and geographic area. Manufacturers are increasing production through larger batches, added shifts and expanded capacity.
Why it matters: Pharmacists are again serving as the front line of a supply-chain challenge—helping patients locate medication, coordinating with prescribers and identifying alternatives.
Read the Reuters report
Read the FDA update
The American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have issued updated recommendations for RSV and COVID-19 protection during the 2026–2027 respiratory season.
Why it matters: Pharmacists may face conflicting recommendations, patient confusion and questions about eligibility.
Clear counseling and coordination with pediatric and obstetric providers will be critical.
Read the Pharmacy Times report
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM OUTCOMES
A special update from Megan Urban and Outcomes.
Outcomes is highlighting new enhancements to its Rx30 pharmacy management platform, including a refreshed user experience, automated data-entry capabilities and support from a dedicated Client Success Team.
The program will explore how these updates can streamline pharmacy workflows, save time and support greater focus on patient care.
Presented by: Dalia Rios and Kaley Lester
September 9, 2026 — 1:30 p.m. ET
FEATURED CONVERSATION Building a Bridge to GLP-1 Access
Our featured guest is HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, RPh, Senior Pharmacy Director at Buzz Health.
HaVy works at the intersection of pharmacy, healthcare technology, medication affordability and prescription access.
Buzz Health operates platforms including BuzzRx, RxCompare and RxAffect, with a focus on helping connect patients, pharmacies, prescribers a