Medicare GLP-1 Bridge BMI chart: the weight that qualifies at your height
At 5 foot 4 you clear the weight test for the $50 Medicare GLP-1 Bridge at 204 pounds, a BMI of 35, with no other diagnosis needed. Below that you also need a listed condition: at 175 pounds (BMI 30) heart failure, high blood pressure or kidney disease, and at 158 pounds (BMI 27) pre-diabetes or a past heart attack, stroke or artery disease.
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The weight for each band, by height
| Height | BMI 27 | BMI 30 | BMI 35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 ft 10 in | 130 lb | 144 lb | 168 lb |
| 4 ft 11 in | 134 lb | 149 lb | 174 lb |
| 5 ft 0 in | 139 lb | 154 lb | 180 lb |
| 5 ft 1 in | 143 lb | 159 lb | 186 lb |
| 5 ft 2 in | 148 lb | 165 lb | 192 lb |
| 5 ft 3 in | 153 lb | 170 lb | 198 lb |
| 5 ft 4 in | 158 lb | 175 lb | 204 lb |
| 5 ft 5 in | 163 lb | 181 lb | 211 lb |
| 5 ft 6 in | 168 lb | 186 lb | 217 lb |
| 5 ft 7 in | 173 lb | 192 lb | 224 lb |
| 5 ft 8 in | 178 lb | 198 lb | 231 lb |
| 5 ft 9 in | 183 lb | 204 lb | 238 lb |
| 5 ft 10 in | 189 lb | 210 lb | 244 lb |
| 5 ft 11 in | 194 lb | 216 lb | 251 lb |
| 6 ft 0 in | 200 lb | 222 lb | 259 lb |
| 6 ft 1 in | 205 lb | 228 lb | 266 lb |
| 6 ft 2 in | 211 lb | 234 lb | 273 lb |
| 6 ft 3 in | 217 lb | 241 lb | 281 lb |
| 6 ft 4 in | 222 lb | 247 lb | 288 lb |
Each weight is the first whole pound at which the BMI formula (pounds times 703, divided by height in inches squared) reaches the band.
What each band needs
- BMI 35 or higher. No listed condition needed.
- BMI 30 to 34.9. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, blood pressure above 140/90 on two blood pressure drugs, or chronic kidney disease at stage 3a or worse.
- BMI 27 to 29.9. Pre-diabetes, a past heart attack, a past stroke, or symptomatic peripheral artery disease.
The BMI that counts is the one you had when you started a GLP-1. If you began at 36 and are at 33 today, your prescriber still picks 36 on the form.
Weight is one of four tests. You also need Medicare drug coverage, no GLP-1 already paid for by your Part D plan, and no type 2 diabetes, moderate to severe sleep apnea or MASH. The Medicare Bridge checker runs all four.
Bands and the starting-BMI rule from the CMS prior authorization form and prescriber fact sheet, read September 10, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What BMI do I need for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge?
35 on its own. 30 with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, uncontrolled blood pressure or kidney disease at stage 3a or worse. 27 with pre-diabetes or a past heart attack, stroke or symptomatic artery disease. You also have to be 18 or older.
Does my BMI today count, or my BMI when I started?
The BMI when you started GLP-1 therapy. The form tells your prescriber to pick the starting BMI if you have lost weight since.
Who works out my BMI for the form?
Your prescriber. They select the BMI range on the prior authorization form and sign it.
GLP Chart is an independent comparison site, not a pharmacy and not a medical provider. Confirm the rules with your prescriber and your plan before your next fill.
