Navigating the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: What Pharmacy Teams Need to Know

Navigating the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: What Pharmacy Teams Need to Know

GLP-1 access just changed for Medicare patients—and pharmacy teams are on the front lines. In this BONUS episode, Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Vickie Danaher breaks down the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program—what it is, how it works, and what pharmacy teams need to know right now. Get a clear overview of which GLP-1 medications are covered, who qualifies, and how to navigate key requirements like prior authorization and claim routing. She also covers common points of confusion—like how the program differs from Medicare Part D, what the $50 copay actually means for patients, and what to watch for at the pharmacy counter. If you’re fielding questions about GLP-1 access or preparing your team for this new CMS program, this episode will help you stay ahead and avoid workflow headaches. 🏷️ Use code cc1026 at checkout [https://trchealthcare.com/shop/?trc_promo=cc1026] for 10% off a new or upgraded subscription. ****** CE Information: TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for pharmacist subscribers at our platinum level or higher and pharmacy technician subscribers. Log in [https://trchealthcare.com/login/] to your Pharmacist’s Letter or Pharmacy Technician’s Letter account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses. None of the speakers have anything to disclose. Claim Credit [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?idnumber=26-653] ****** Clinical Resources from Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:  * Article: Navigate Questions About the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Articles/PL/2026/Jul/Navigate-Questions-About-the-Medicare-GLP-1-Bridge] * Chart: GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Interactive Comparison Chart [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2025/May/GLP-1-and-GIP-GLP-1-Receptor-Agonist-Interactive-Comparison-Chart-S2505002] Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools.  🎓 Are you a student? Great news—students can access a free version [https://login.therapeuticresearch.com/realms/trcSubscribers/protocol/openid-connect/registrations?client_id=ProfmanClient&response_type=code&scope=openid&code_challenge_method=S256&code_challenge=TLbI3CFp8snPD6CWEMGeBPhnjQBpQGNUxbqH3eJ-Asc&redirect_uri=https://account.therapeuticresearch.com/profile/account/new-student&response_mode=query&state=257d3831-d9bb-4863-8ec8-bb61b6914058&nonce=e216c68e-31cc-4c65-9144-ca806d84d5e1®_type=SPH] of Pharmacist’s Letter. 🗪 Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442384/fan_mail/new] Email us: ContactUs@trchealthcare.com [ContactUs@trchealthcare.com].  The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here [https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare]. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com [http://www.trchealthcare.com].

Help Patients Use Continuous Glucose Monitors Safely and Effectively

Continuous glucose monitoring is changing how diabetes is managed, and healthcare teams are at the center of helping patients use these devices safely and effectively. In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Vickie Danaher, PharmD, discusses how continuous glucose monitoring has helped improve diabetes care. She talks about how CGM devices work, which patients are good candidates, prescription vs. OTC options, and when guidelines recommend their use. This is an excerpt from our April 2026 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series. 🏷️ Use code cc1026 at checkout [https://trchealthcare.com/shop/?trc_promo=cc1026] for 10% off a new or upgraded subscription. ****** CE Information: TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for pharmacist subscribers at our platinum level or higher and pharmacy technician subscribers. Log in [https://trchealthcare.com/login/] to your Pharmacist’s Letter or Pharmacy Technician’s Letter account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses. None of the speakers have anything to disclose. Claim Credit [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?idnumber=26-652] ****** Clinical Resources from Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:  * Article: Anticipate Earlier CGM Use for Diabetes [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Articles/PL/2026/Apr/Anticipate-Earlier-CGM-Use-for-Diabetes] * Chart: Continuous Glucose Monitoring [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2018/Feb/Continuous-Glucose-Monitoring-11921] Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools.  🎓 Are you a student? Great news—students can access a free version [https://login.therapeuticresearch.com/realms/trcSubscribers/protocol/openid-connect/registrations?client_id=ProfmanClient&response_type=code&scope=openid&code_challenge_method=S256&code_challenge=TLbI3CFp8snPD6CWEMGeBPhnjQBpQGNUxbqH3eJ-Asc&redirect_uri=https://account.therapeuticresearch.com/profile/account/new-student&response_mode=query&state=257d3831-d9bb-4863-8ec8-bb61b6914058&nonce=e216c68e-31cc-4c65-9144-ca806d84d5e1®_type=SPH] of Pharmacist’s Letter. 🗪 Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442384/fan_mail/new] Email us: ContactUs@trchealthcare.com [ContactUs@trchealthcare.com].  The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here [https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare]. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com [http://www.trchealthcare.com].

Advanced Therapies for Crohn Disease: Biologics and JAK Inhibitors

New guidelines for moderate to severe Crohn disease help streamline more advanced therapy options, such as biologics and JAK inhibitors. In this episode, TRC Healthcare Assistant Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Gina Corley, PharmD, walks through the latest guideline updates for moderate to severe Crohn disease. She breaks down advanced therapy options such as biologics and JAK inhibitors, discusses how factors like prior biologic exposure shape treatment decisions, and where immunomodulators and steroids fit in. This is an excerpt from our March 2026 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series. 🏷️ Use code cc1026 at checkout [https://trchealthcare.com/shop/?trc_promo=cc1026] for 10% off a new or upgraded subscription. ****** CE Information: TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for pharmacist subscribers at our platinum level or higher and pharmacy technician subscribers. Log in [https://trchealthcare.com/login/] to your Pharmacist’s Letter or Pharmacy Technician’s Letter account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses. None of the speakers have anything to disclose. Claim Credit [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?idnumber=26-651] ****** Clinical Resources from Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:  * Article: Prioritize Advanced Therapies in Crohn Disease [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=Content/Articles/PL/2026/Mar/Prioritize-Advanced-Therapies-in-Crohn-Disease] * Chart: Biologics and JAK Inhibitors for Moderate to Severe Crohn Disease [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=Content/Segments/PRL/2018/Jul/Biologics-for-Crohn-s-Disease-12458] Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools.  🎓 Are you a student? Great news—students can access a free version [https://login.therapeuticresearch.com/realms/trcSubscribers/protocol/openid-connect/registrations?client_id=ProfmanClient&response_type=code&scope=openid&code_challenge_method=S256&code_challenge=TLbI3CFp8snPD6CWEMGeBPhnjQBpQGNUxbqH3eJ-Asc&redirect_uri=https://account.therapeuticresearch.com/profile/account/new-student&response_mode=query&state=257d3831-d9bb-4863-8ec8-bb61b6914058&nonce=e216c68e-31cc-4c65-9144-ca806d84d5e1®_type=SPH] of Pharmacist’s Letter. 🗪 Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442384/fan_mail/new] Email us: ContactUs@trchealthcare.com [ContactUs@trchealthcare.com].  The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here [https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare]. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com [http://www.trchealthcare.com].

Updated COPD Guidelines: Strategies for Treatment and Management

Updated COPD guidelines are reshaping how soon patients start daily inhalers—and what therapies make the most sense based on symptoms and risk. In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP, reviews practical, guideline-based strategies for treating and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Don highlights common factors that increase exacerbation risk and explains how current recommendations aim to better match therapy to patient needs. He also clarifies key differences between COPD and asthma, walks through the main goals of COPD management, and reviews where short- and long-acting bronchodilators, as well as inhaled corticosteroids, fit into care. The discussion includes when to escalate treatment, common inhaler technique mistakes that limit effectiveness, and non-drug strategies that can help keep patients out of the hospital. In this episode, you’ll hear about: * How updated guidelines approach COPD treatment and escalation * When to use short-acting inhalers, dual bronchodilators, or triple therapy * Common inhaler technique errors that increase exacerbation risk * The role of smoking cessation, vaccinations, and adherence in improving outcomes This is an excerpt from our February 2026 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series. 🏷️ Use code cc1026 at checkout [https://trchealthcare.com/shop/?trc_promo=cc1026] for 10% off a new or upgraded subscription. ****** CE Information: TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for pharmacist subscribers at our platinum level or higher and pharmacy technician subscribers. Log in [https://trchealthcare.com/login/] to your Pharmacist’s Letter or Pharmacy Technician’s Letter account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses. None of the speakers have anything to disclose. Claim Credit [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?idnumber=26-650] ****** Clinical Resources from Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:  * Article: Clear the Air With New COPD Guidelines [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Articles/PL/2026/Feb/Clear-the-Air-With-New-COPD-Guidelines] * Chart: Inhaled Medications for COPD [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/Jan/Inhaled-Medications-for-COPD-7969] * Algorithm: Improving COPD Care [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2015/May/Improving-COPD-Care-8431] * Algorithm: Stepwise Treatment of Asthma (12 Years and Older) [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2014/Dec/Stepwise-Treatment-of-Asthma-12-years-and-older-7836] * Algorithm: Stepwise Treatment of Asthma (Under 12 Years of Age) [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2018/Apr/Stepwise-Treatment-of-Asthma-Under-12-years-of-Age-12123] Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools.  🎓 Are you a student? Great news—students can access a free version [https://login.therapeuticresearch.com/realms/trcSubscribers/protocol/openid-connect/registrations?client_id=ProfmanClient&response_type=code&scope=openid&code_challenge_method=S256&code_challenge=TLbI3CFp8snPD6CWEMGeBPhnjQBpQGNUxbqH3eJ-Asc&redirect_uri=https://account.therapeuticresearch.com/profile/account/new-student&response_mode=query&state=257d3831-d9bb-4863-8ec8-bb61b6914058&nonce=e216c68e-31cc-4c65-9144-ca806d84d5e1®_type=SPH] of Pharmacist’s Letter. 🗪 Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442384/fan_mail/new] Email us: ContactUs@trchealthcare.com [ContactUs@trchealthcare.com].  The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here [https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare]. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com [http://www.trchealthcare.com].

Beyond the Cuff: Measuring and Monitoring Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is one of the most commonly measured — and most commonly misread — vitals in healthcare. In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Vickie Danaher, PharmD, discusses how pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can help patients better manage hypertension. She goes over how to choose the right home blood pressure monitor, ways to use it correctly, and tips for getting the most accurate readings. This is an excerpt from our March 2026 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series. 🏷️ Use code cc1026 at checkout [https://trchealthcare.com/shop/?trc_promo=cc1026] for 10% off a new or upgraded subscription. ****** CE Information: TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for pharmacist subscribers at our platinum level or higher and pharmacy technician subscribers. Log in [https://trchealthcare.com/login/] to your Pharmacist’s Letter or Pharmacy Technician’s Letter account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses. None of the speakers have anything to disclose. Claim Credit [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/course/view.php?idnumber=26-649] ****** Clinical Resources from Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:  * Article: Avoid Common Blood Pressure Measurement Errors [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Articles/PL/2026/Mar/Avoid-Common-Blood-Pressure-Measurement-Errors] * Checklist: Measuring Blood Pressure [https://learning.therapeuticresearch.com/local/trc_custom/trc_url_resolver.php?path=/Content/Segments/PRL/2018/Jan/Measuring-Blood-Pressure-Checklist-11821] Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools.  🎓 Are you a student? Great news—students can access a free version [https://login.therapeuticresearch.com/realms/trcSubscribers/protocol/openid-connect/registrations?client_id=ProfmanClient&response_type=code&scope=openid&code_challenge_method=S256&code_challenge=TLbI3CFp8snPD6CWEMGeBPhnjQBpQGNUxbqH3eJ-Asc&redirect_uri=https://account.therapeuticresearch.com/profile/account/new-student&response_mode=query&state=257d3831-d9bb-4863-8ec8-bb61b6914058&nonce=e216c68e-31cc-4c65-9144-ca806d84d5e1®_type=SPH] of Pharmacist’s Letter. 🗪 Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442384/fan_mail/new] Email us: ContactUs@trchealthcare.com [ContactUs@trchealthcare.com].  The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here [https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare]. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com [http://www.trchealthcare.com].