Three healthcare laws that took effect July 1

July is more than just the US’s birthday month!

On July 1, a number of federal and state policies took effect. Here’s a look at three of those changes and what they might mean for healthcare:

Medicare covers GLP-1s

CMS began an 18-month pilot called GLP-1 Bridge. It allows Medicare Part D beneficiaries to access certain GLP-1 drugs, including Eli Lilly’s Foundayo and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, for a $50 monthly copay. A June 29 KFF analysis estimates 3.8 million Medicare beneficiaries may be eligible. However, Axios reported concerns from doctors that they may not be able to handle the influx of patients. The program is planned to run until December 31, 2027.

Montana takes on Medicaid

Strict work and community engagement requirements took effect for Medicaid expansion beneficiaries in Montana. Most states are required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to roll out work requirements starting Jan. 1, 2027. But Montana followed Nebraska’s lead and implemented requirements early. Other states, like Arkansas, have experimented with work requirements in the past. Healthcare Brew previously reported that Arkansas’s requirements reduced insurance coverage without increasing employment.

WA enforces meal, rest breaks

Washington will now start to financially penalize hospitals that aren’t giving adequate meal and rest breaks to healthcare workers. This enforcement is part of a multi-year rollout of Washington’s 2023 hospital staffing standards bill, SB 5236. The bill mandates, among other requirements, that a worker must get at least two meal breaks and three rest breaks during a 12-hour shift. California passed a similar law mandating rest and lunch breaks in 2022.