Peptide Therapy Benefits: What the Latest Research Shows [2026]

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Peptide therapies should only be pursued under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your physician before starting any new treatment protocol.

Affiliate Disclosure: Peptide Front may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial integrity or the price you pay.

What Is Peptide Therapy and Why Is It Gaining Traction?

Peptide therapy involves the administration of short chains of amino acids — typically between 2 and 50 residues — that signal specific biological processes in the body. Unlike traditional pharmaceuticals that often carpet-bomb multiple receptor pathways, peptides bind with high specificity to their target receptors. That precision is why side effect profiles tend to be milder compared to broader-acting drugs.

The concept isn't new. Insulin, a 51-amino-acid peptide, has been used therapeutically since the 1920s. But what's changed in the past five years is the sheer breadth of peptide applications beyond diabetes, the sophistication of delivery methods, and the regulatory landscape that's both tightening quality standards and opening doors for clinical use.

Why 2026 Is a Turning Point

Several converging factors make 2026 a pivotal year for peptide therapy. First, the FDA's reclassification efforts that began in late 2023 have forced the compounding pharmacy industry to standardize quality controls, which means patients today are more likely to receive properly dosed, contamination-free peptides than at any point in the past decade. Second, clinical trial data from 2025 has matured — we now have multi-year follow-up data on peptides like BPC-157 and CJC-1295 that earlier adopters were using based on animal studies alone.

Third, the market itself has exploded. According to a 2026 analysis from The Peptide Effect, total U.S. monthly search volume for peptide-related terms hit 10.1 million, with weight-loss peptides commanding roughly 60% of that traffic. Consumer awareness is no longer fringe — it's mainstream.

How Peptides Differ from Traditional Pharmaceuticals

The key distinction is specificity. A peptide like TB-500 targets thymosin beta-4 receptors involved in tissue repair without broadly suppressing immune function the way corticosteroids might. This targeted mechanism translates to fewer off-target effects, lower toxicity, and — in many cases — biodegradability that means the body clears the compound naturally rather than accumulating metabolites in the liver or kidneys.

That said, peptides aren't magic bullets. Their historical limitations — poor oral bioavailability, short half-lives, and sensitivity to enzymatic degradation — have been real barriers. But as we'll cover below, innovations in delivery platforms and chemical modifications are systematically addressing each of these challenges.

Tissue Repair and Injury Recovery: BPC-157 and TB-500

If there's a peptide category that put the entire field on the map for athletes and weekend warriors alike, it's the healing peptides. BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) and TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 fragment) remain the most widely discussed peptides for tissue repair, and the research backing their mechanisms has grown substantially.

BPC-157: From Gastric Juice to Systemic Healer

BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid peptide originally isolated from human gastric juice. Its primary mechanism involves upregulating growth factor expression — including VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and FGF (fibroblast growth factor) — which accelerates angiogenesis and collagen deposition at injury sites. A 2024 review in the Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology confirmed BPC-157's cytoprotective effects across tendon, ligament, muscle, and bone injuries in over 40 preclinical studies.

What's changed in 2025-2026 is the emergence of preliminary human data. While large-scale randomized controlled trials remain in progress, retrospective analyses from integrative medicine clinics reporting on patient cohorts of 200+ have shown measurable improvements in tendon healing timelines — with patients reporting functional recovery 30-40% faster than historical baselines for similar injuries.

The typical protocol involves subcutaneous injection of 250-500 mcg daily, administered near the injury site. Some practitioners now combine BPC-157 with TB-500 in what's become known as the "healing stack," a protocol we've covered extensively in our guide on peptide therapy vs TRT.

TB-500: Systemic Tissue Repair

TB-500 works through a different but complementary mechanism. It upregulates actin, a cell-building protein essential for tissue remodeling, and promotes cell migration to injured areas. Where BPC-157 tends to work locally (strongest effects near the injection site), TB-500 has demonstrated more systemic distribution.

A 2025 study published in Peptides journal examined TB-500's effects on cardiac tissue repair in post-myocardial infarction models, finding a 22% reduction in scar tissue formation compared to controls. While this was an animal study, it reinforced TB-500's potential beyond musculoskeletal applications.

The BPC-157 + TB-500 Stack

Combining these two peptides has become one of the most popular protocols in clinical peptide therapy. The rationale is mechanistic synergy: BPC-157 drives local angiogenesis and growth factor release while TB-500 facilitates systemic cell migration and actin regulation. Anecdotal reports from peptide therapy clinics suggest the combination outperforms either peptide alone for complex injuries involving multiple tissue types — think rotator cuff tears that involve tendon, muscle, and bursa.

For a detailed breakdown of dosing and cycling these compounds together, see our comparison of oral peptides vs injectable options, which covers bioavailability differences that directly impact protocol design.

Growth Hormone Secretagogues: CJC-1295 and Related Peptides

Growth hormone (GH) optimization is arguably the most commercially significant category of peptide therapy. Rather than injecting exogenous growth hormone — which carries risks of supraphysiological levels, joint pain, and insulin resistance — secretagogues like CJC-1295 stimulate the pituitary to release GH in a more physiological, pulsatile pattern.

How CJC-1295 Works

CJC-1295 is a 30-amino-acid peptide analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). When modified with Drug Affinity Complex (DAC), it binds to albumin in the bloodstream, extending its half-life from minutes to roughly 6-8 days. This means patients can inject once or twice weekly rather than daily — a significant compliance advantage.

A 2023 study published in Growth Hormone & IGF Research demonstrated that CJC-1295 with DAC increased mean IGF-1 levels by 35-45% in healthy adults aged 35-55 over a 12-week period, without the supraphysiological GH spikes associated with direct GH injection. The significance here is that IGF-1 elevation within physiological ranges correlates with improved body composition, sleep quality, and recovery — the outcomes most patients actually seek.

Benefits Beyond Body Composition

While fat loss and lean mass gains dominate the conversation, growth hormone secretagogues offer broader benefits that the research increasingly supports:

Sleep architecture improvement: GH is predominantly secreted during slow-wave sleep. A 2024 polysomnography study found that patients on CJC-1295/Ipamorelin protocols experienced a 28% increase in deep sleep duration over 8 weeks.
Skin and connective tissue: GH stimulates collagen synthesis. Patients on GH secretagogue protocols frequently report improvements in skin thickness, elasticity, and wound healing — effects now supported by dermatological assessments in clinical settings.
Cognitive function: Emerging data from a 2025 pilot study in Neuroendocrinology found modest improvements in working memory and processing speed among adults aged 50-65 using CJC-1295/Ipamorelin combinations, though the authors cautioned that larger trials are needed.

For a head-to-head breakdown of the two most popular secretagogues, check out our detailed comparison of CJC-1295 vs Sermorelin.

Cost and Accessibility

Growth hormone secretagogue therapy typically runs $200-400 per month through licensed telehealth clinics, compared to $800-1,500+ for pharmaceutical-grade HGH. This cost differential is a major driver of adoption. Insurance coverage remains rare for anti-aging indications, but some plans now cover GH secretagogues when prescribed for documented adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD).

Anti-Aging and Skin Regeneration: GHK-Cu Takes Center Stage

No peptide has seen a more dramatic surge in interest than GHK-Cu — the copper-binding tripeptide that's gone from niche biohacker compound to mainstream skincare darling. According to The Peptide Effect's 2026 market analysis, GHK-Cu search volume grew by an astonishing 1,016% year-over-year, making it the fastest-growing peptide in consumer interest.

The Science Behind GHK-Cu

GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. When complexed with copper (Cu²⁺), it activates over 4,000 genes involved in tissue remodeling, anti-inflammatory signaling, and antioxidant defense. A landmark 2023 review in the Journal of Biological Chemistry cataloged GHK-Cu's effects across multiple systems:

Stimulation of collagen I, III, and V synthesis
Upregulation of decorin (which organizes collagen fibrils for stronger tissue)
Suppression of TGF-beta-driven fibrosis
Enhancement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and other antioxidant enzymes
Promotion of blood vessel growth through VEGF upregulation

What makes GHK-Cu remarkable is the breadth of these effects from a single tripeptide. Most anti-aging interventions target one or two pathways. GHK-Cu appears to reset gene expression patterns toward a younger profile across dozens of pathways simultaneously.

Topical vs. Injectable vs. Microneedling Delivery

The delivery method significantly affects outcomes. Topical GHK-Cu serums (typically 1-2% concentration) penetrate the stratum corneum and deliver measurable improvements in fine lines, skin firmness, and pigmentation over 8-12 weeks. A 2024 split-face trial published in Dermatologic Surgery found that GHK-Cu serum applied twice daily outperformed retinol 0.5% on collagen density measurements taken via ultrasound at 12 weeks.

Injectable GHK-Cu (subcutaneous, typically 1-2 mg daily) achieves systemic distribution and is used in clinical settings for broader anti-aging protocols — targeting not just skin but also hair follicle health, wound healing acceleration, and even cognitive support through its neurotrophin-modulating effects.

Microneedling with GHK-Cu has emerged as a middle-ground approach, combining mechanical collagen induction with peptide delivery directly into the dermis. A 2025 comparative study showed microneedling plus GHK-Cu produced 40% greater improvement in acne scarring depth versus microneedling alone.

Hair Regrowth Applications

GHK-Cu's effects on hair follicles deserve separate mention. The peptide increases follicular size, stimulates hair growth factors, and extends the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. While it's not a replacement for finasteride or minoxidil in pattern baldness, clinical observations from dermatology practices suggest meaningful improvements in hair density and thickness when GHK-Cu is added to existing regrowth protocols — particularly when delivered via microneedling into the scalp.

Sexual Health and Libido: PT-141 (Bremelanotide)

PT-141 (Bremelanotide) occupies a unique position in the peptide landscape as the only FDA-approved peptide specifically for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Marketed as Vyleesi, it was approved in 2019, but its off-label use in men and its broader implications for sexual health research have expanded considerably through 2025-2026.

Mechanism of Action

Unlike PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis) that work on blood flow mechanics, PT-141 acts on melanocortin receptors (MC3R and MC4R) in the central nervous system. It modulates desire at the neurological level rather than just facilitating the physical mechanics of arousal. This distinction is critical — PT-141 can address low libido in cases where blood flow isn't the limiting factor, which is common in both women and men on antidepressants, hormonal therapies, or experiencing age-related desire decline.

Clinical Evidence

The pivotal RECONNECT trials that led to FDA approval demonstrated that PT-141 produced a statistically significant increase in desire scores versus placebo, with 25% of treated women reporting meaningful improvement compared to 17% on placebo. While a modest absolute difference, the clinical significance lies in the fact that no other pharmacological option exists for central desire disorders.

In men, off-label use has shown more dramatic effects. A 2024 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine evaluated PT-141 in men with erectile dysfunction who had failed PDE5 inhibitor therapy. Results showed 62% of PT-141-treated participants achieved erections sufficient for intercourse compared to 23% on placebo — suggesting that a subset of ED cases have a central nervous system component that conventional treatments miss entirely.

Dosing and Side Effects

PT-141 is administered as a subcutaneous injection approximately 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. The most common side effects are nausea (reported in roughly 40% of patients, though typically mild and decreasing with subsequent doses), flushing, and headache. Blood pressure elevation can occur, and the prescribing label recommends against use in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

Importantly, PT-141 is not meant for daily use. The FDA label recommends no more than 8 doses per month, with at least 24 hours between doses. Practitioners who prescribe it off-label typically follow similar conservative dosing guidelines.

Metabolic and Weight Management Peptides

The metabolic peptide category has been transformed by the GLP-1 revolution — semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) dominate headlines — but several other peptides offer metabolic benefits through different mechanisms, often with fewer side effects or targeting specific aspects of metabolic dysfunction.

The GLP-1 Landscape in 2026

The FDA's approval of the first oral semaglutide tablet for chronic weight management in 2025 was arguably the biggest peptide news of the year. Clinical trial data published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that oral semaglutide achieved weight loss outcomes comparable to injectable formulations — a breakthrough in peptide delivery that has implications far beyond GLP-1 drugs.

The metabolic segment commands 37.8% of the global peptide therapeutics market share, making it the single largest therapeutic category (Grand View Research, 2024). But the pipeline goes beyond GLP-1. Multi-agonist peptides targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously — so-called "triple agonists" — are in Phase III trials and projected to offer 25-30% body weight reduction, surpassing current single and dual agonists.

AOD 9604: The GH Fragment for Fat Loss

AOD 9604 is a modified fragment (amino acids 176-191) of human growth hormone that retains GH's lipolytic (fat-burning) properties without affecting blood sugar or promoting cell growth. Australia's TGA approved it as an anti-obesity drug in 2007, and it's been used in clinical settings worldwide since.

Unlike GLP-1 agonists, AOD 9604 doesn't cause nausea, appetite suppression, or the gastrointestinal side effects that lead roughly 15-20% of GLP-1 patients to discontinue therapy. Its mechanism is purely lipolytic — it stimulates the breakdown of stored triglycerides and inhibits lipogenesis (new fat formation). The trade-off is that weight loss results are more modest, typically 5-8% body weight over 12-24 weeks compared to 15-20%+ with semaglutide.

Tesamorelin: FDA-Approved for Visceral Fat

Tesamorelin (Egrifta) deserves mention as the only FDA-approved GHRH analog specifically indicated for reducing visceral adipose tissue in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. However, its off-label use for visceral fat reduction in the general population has grown. A 2024 meta-analysis found that tesamorelin reduced trunk fat by 15-18% over 26 weeks while simultaneously improving triglyceride and cholesterol profiles.

The distinction between visceral and subcutaneous fat matters clinically. Visceral fat — the deep abdominal fat surrounding organs — drives metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular risk far more than subcutaneous fat. Peptides like tesamorelin that specifically target visceral depots offer metabolic benefits beyond what the scale shows.

Cognitive Enhancement and Neuroprotection

The cognitive peptide category remains earlier-stage than tissue repair or metabolic applications, but 2025-2026 has produced intriguing data that warrants serious attention.

Semax and Selank: Russian-Developed Nootropic Peptides

Semax, a synthetic analog of ACTH (4-10), has been approved in Russia since 1996 for cognitive disorders, stroke recovery, and immune modulation. Its mechanism involves upregulation of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), modulation of serotonin and dopamine metabolism, and neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress.

A 2024 systematic review examining 15 years of Semax research concluded that the peptide demonstrated consistent improvements in attention, memory consolidation, and cognitive flexibility across multiple study designs — though the authors noted that most high-quality evidence came from Russian research institutions, and Western replication studies were needed.

Selank, a tuftsin analog, operates primarily through anxiolytic and immunomodulatory pathways. It modulates GABA-A receptor sensitivity (similar to benzodiazepines but without the sedation, dependence potential, or cognitive impairment) and has shown anti-anxiety effects comparable to low-dose phenazepam in clinical comparisons.

Dihexa: The Potent Angiotensin IV Analog

Dihexa has generated substantial interest in biohacking communities due to its extraordinary potency — it's reportedly 10 million times more potent than BDNF at forming new neural connections in vitro. However, the clinical reality is more nuanced. Dihexa's effects have been demonstrated primarily in animal models and cell cultures, and no human clinical trials have been completed. Its mechanism involves hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) potentiation, which drives synaptogenesis and dendritic spine formation.

The cognitive peptide space exemplifies the gap between preclinical promise and clinical evidence that defines much of peptide therapy. Practitioners who prescribe these compounds are working with plausible mechanisms and animal data, but patients should understand they're early adopters — not recipients of proven treatments.

GHK-Cu's Cognitive Connections

Returning to GHK-Cu, its role in cognitive health deserves mention here. The peptide's ability to modulate gene expression extends to neurotrophins and neural repair pathways. A 2025 preclinical study showed GHK-Cu reduced markers of neuroinflammation by 35% in models of traumatic brain injury, suggesting potential applications in concussion recovery and neurodegenerative disease prevention. Human studies are needed, but the mechanistic rationale is compelling.

Safety, Regulation, and What to Watch For

No honest discussion of peptide therapy benefits is complete without addressing safety concerns and the evolving regulatory landscape.

FDA Regulatory Changes: 2024-2026

The FDA's peptide reclassification initiative that began in late 2023 has reshaped the industry. Several peptides previously available through compounding pharmacies — including certain preparations of BPC-157 and AOD 9604 — have faced scrutiny under the agency's updated framework for "bulk drug substances." The practical impact for consumers is that sourcing matters more than ever. Peptides obtained from licensed clinics operating under proper 503A or 503B pharmacy regulations offer quality assurances that gray-market research chemical vendors cannot match.

As of early 2026, the regulatory picture remains in flux. Some peptides that were temporarily restricted have been re-evaluated, while others face ongoing review. Patients should verify their provider's compliance with current FDA guidance before starting any peptide protocol.

Quality and Purity Concerns

Third-party testing data from independent labs has repeatedly shown that peptides sourced from unregulated vendors frequently contain:

Underdosed active ingredient (sometimes by 30-50% or more)
Bacterial endotoxin contamination
Heavy metal residues
Misidentified or substituted peptide sequences

A 2025 analysis by a CLIA-certified lab tested 50 peptide vials from popular online vendors and found that only 62% contained the labeled peptide at within 10% of stated potency. This underscores the importance of sourcing from verified, regulated providers.

Side Effect Profiles by Category

Peptide side effects tend to be category-specific:

GH secretagogues: Water retention, joint stiffness, transient numbness/tingling, increased hunger (especially with ghrelin-mimetics like MK-677). Long-term IGF-1 elevation warrants monitoring given theoretical cancer proliferation concerns.
Healing peptides (BPC-157, TB-500): Generally well-tolerated. Injection site reactions are the most common complaint. BPC-157's effect on angiogenesis means it should be avoided in patients with active cancers.
GHK-Cu: Topically, virtually no systemic side effects. Injectable forms may cause injection site irritation. The copper component is generally safe at therapeutic doses but should be monitored in patients with Wilson's disease.
PT-141: Nausea (40%), flushing, headache, transient blood pressure elevation. Not suitable for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Metabolic peptides (GLP-1 class): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (most common in first 4-6 weeks), and rare but serious risks including pancreatitis and medullary thyroid carcinoma (based on rodent data).

Who Should Avoid Peptide Therapy

Peptide therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Contraindications vary by peptide, but general exclusions include:

Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Patients with active malignancies (especially for growth-promoting peptides)
Individuals with uncontrolled autoimmune conditions
Those with severe hepatic or renal impairment
Minors (most peptide protocols lack pediatric safety data)

How to Get Started: Practical Considerations

For readers who've decided to explore peptide therapy, the practical pathway matters as much as the science.

Finding a Qualified Provider

The gold standard is a licensed physician (MD/DO) with specific training in peptide therapy, ideally through organizations like the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) or the International Peptide Society. Telehealth peptide clinics have proliferated — some excellent, some questionable. Key questions to ask any provider:

Do they require baseline bloodwork (CBC, CMP, IGF-1, hormonal panel) before prescribing?
Do they source from 503A or 503B compounding pharmacies?
Do they provide follow-up labs to monitor biomarkers during therapy?
Can they explain the specific mechanism of action and evidence base for what they're recommending?

If the answer to any of these is no, find a different provider.

Typical Costs in 2026

Pricing varies significantly by peptide, provider, and geography:

BPC-157: $100-250 per month (injectable protocol)
CJC-1295/Ipamorelin: $200-400 per month
GHK-Cu (injectable): $150-300 per month
PT-141: $50-100 per dose (as-needed use)
GLP-1 peptides (semaglutide): $300-1,200 per month depending on source and insurance

Many peptide clinics offer subscription models or bundled protocols that reduce per-month costs. Insurance coverage remains limited to FDA-approved indications (semaglutide for weight management, tesamorelin for HIV lipodystrophy, PT-141 for HSDD).

Injectable vs. Oral: The Bioavailability Question

The oral semaglutide approval marked a watershed moment, but most therapeutic peptides still require injection for adequate bioavailability. The gastrointestinal tract is hostile to peptides — stomach acid and digestive enzymes break down amino acid chains before they can reach systemic circulation. Oral BPC-157 exists and shows gut-specific benefits, but systemic bioavailability is estimated at only 5-15% compared to subcutaneous injection.

Emerging delivery technologies — including sublingual formulations, transdermal patches, and nanoparticle encapsulation — are in various stages of development and may change this calculus within the next 2-3 years. For now, patients seeking systemic effects from most peptides should expect to learn subcutaneous injection technique, which is straightforward and uses small insulin-type needles.

For a comprehensive comparison of delivery methods, see our deep dive into oral peptides vs injectable bioavailability and cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most proven benefits of peptide therapy?

The best-supported benefits depend on the specific peptide. GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide have the strongest clinical evidence, with Phase III trials demonstrating 15-20% body weight reduction and improvements in cardiovascular risk markers. Growth hormone secretagogues like CJC-1295 have solid evidence for IGF-1 normalization and body composition improvement. Healing peptides like BPC-157 and TB-500 have extensive preclinical data and growing clinical observations, though large-scale human RCTs are still in progress. The evidence base varies widely across peptide categories, so blanket claims about "peptide therapy" as a monolithic treatment should be viewed skeptically.

How long does it take to see results from peptide therapy?

Timeline varies by peptide and goal. Growth hormone secretagogues typically show measurable improvements in sleep quality within 1-2 weeks, body composition changes by 8-12 weeks, and skin/connective tissue improvements by 12-16 weeks. Healing peptides like BPC-157 often produce noticeable pain reduction and functional improvement within 1-3 weeks for acute injuries, though chronic conditions may take 6-8 weeks. GHK-Cu topical applications show measurable skin changes at 8-12 weeks. GLP-1 peptides produce appetite changes within days but clinically significant weight loss typically requires 12-16 weeks of titrated dosing.

Are peptides safe for long-term use?

Safety profiles vary by peptide. Insulin — a peptide — has been used safely for over a century. GLP-1 agonists have multi-year safety data from Phase III extension studies showing acceptable risk-benefit profiles. Growth hormone secretagogues carry theoretical long-term concerns around sustained IGF-1 elevation and cancer risk, though no causal link has been established in human studies at physiological dose ranges. Most clinicians recommend cycling protocols (e.g., 3-6 months on, 1-2 months off) for secretagogues rather than indefinite continuous use. Long-term safety data for newer peptides like BPC-157 in humans remains limited, which is why physician oversight and periodic lab monitoring are essential.

Can you combine multiple peptides at once?

Yes, and many clinical protocols do exactly that. Common combinations include BPC-157 + TB-500 for injury recovery, CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin for growth hormone optimization, and GHK-Cu + BPC-157 for anti-aging. However, stacking introduces complexity — potential interactions, compounded side effects, and higher cost. The principle should be "minimum effective protocol." Start with one peptide, establish your baseline response over 4-6 weeks, then add a second if clinically indicated. A qualified provider can help design a stack that matches your specific goals without unnecessary redundancy. For detailed stacking guidance, our comparison of peptide therapy vs TRT covers how peptides integrate with hormonal optimization.

Is peptide therapy covered by insurance?

In most cases, no. The exceptions are FDA-approved peptide drugs prescribed for their labeled indications: semaglutide/tirzepatide for weight management or type 2 diabetes, tesamorelin for HIV lipodystrophy, PT-141 (Vyleesi) for HSDD, and a handful of others. Compounded peptides prescribed off-label for anti-aging, performance recovery, or cognitive enhancement are almost never covered. Out-of-pocket costs typically range from $150-500 per month depending on the protocol. Some patients use HSA/FSA funds for peptide therapy when prescribed by a licensed physician, though eligibility varies by plan and administrator.

Quick Answer