LowerScript for Californians

Prescription help guide

Can't Afford Your Prescriptions in California? Where to Get Help

Information checked October 20, 2026.

Here is where people in California can get help paying for prescriptions, with free or low-cost options first. Programs and rules change, so check each program's own page or phone line before you apply.

State programs

CalRx insulin glargine pens

Who it helps: Any Californian, regardless of insurance status.

How to apply: Ask your pharmacist to substitute CalRx-branded pens for Lantus or another interchangeable insulin glargine. If you have a current Lantus prescription, you do not need a new one. The CalRx page states $55 for a five-pack of 3 mL pens beginning January 1, 2026. Vials are not yet available. Page: https://calrx.ca.gov/?p=343. Contact: https://calrx.ca.gov/contact/.

CalRx over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray

Who it helps: Any Californian can buy it at the reduced price. Qualifying organizations can get it free through California's Naloxone Distribution Project.

How to apply: No prescription is needed. The CalRx page states $19 per twin-pack. Ordering details: https://calrx.ca.gov/get-naloxone/.

Medi-Cal Rx (Medi-Cal pharmacy benefit)

Who it helps: People enrolled in Medi-Cal. It provides their prescription drug coverage.

How to apply: Enroll in Medi-Cal first (see Medi-Cal below). Medi-Cal Rx Customer Service Center: (800) 977-2273, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Website: https://www.medi-calrx.dhcs.ca.gov/home/.

California AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)

Who it helps: California residents age 18 or older who are HIV positive, have income under a limit set as a percentage of the federal poverty level (the limit changes every year, so confirm the current figure with CDPH), and are not fully covered by another payer such as Medi-Cal.

How to apply: Enroll through a certified ADAP enrollment worker at a certified enrollment site (use the ADAP Enrollment Site Locator on the CDPH website). Phone (844) 421-7050. Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DOA/Pages/OAadap.aspx.

HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program)

Who it helps: People 65 or older who are eligible for Medicare, people under 65 with a disability who are eligible for Medicare, and people who will soon be eligible. Free, confidential one-on-one counseling.

How to apply: Call 1-800-434-0222, or find a local office by county: https://aging.ca.gov/programs_and_services/Medicare_Counseling.

Charities, clinics and help applying

Community health centers (income-based sliding fee scale)

Who it helps: People of all ages. No insurance is needed, and fees follow a sliding scale based on ability to pay. Pharmacy services vary by center, so ask the center.

How to apply: Use the Find a Health Center tool: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/.

California Association of Free and Charitable Clinics - member clinic directory

Who it helps: Free and charitable clinics serve people who are uninsured and offer medical, dental, behavioral health and preventive services. Ask each clinic whether it offers free care, free medications or pharmacy services.

How to apply: Find a clinic (name, address, phone, website): https://www.californiafreeclinics.org/member-clinics.html.

Insurance help

Medi-Cal

Who it helps: Low-income Californians. The pages checked do not state income limits; the state's eligibility estimate tool is at https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/medi-cal/qualify/.

How to apply: Online at BenefitsCal: https://benefitscal.com/ApplyForBenefits/begin/ABOVR or through Covered California: https://apply.coveredca.com/static/lw-web/account-creation/create. You can also apply by mail with a paper application, or by phone or in person at your county office: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/medi-cal/contact/find-a-county-office/.

Covered California financial help

Who it helps: Californians who are citizens or lawfully present and buy marketplace coverage. Help depends on household size and expected income compared with the federal poverty level. Lower-income applicants may qualify for Medi-Cal instead. For current amounts, see https://www.coveredca.com/costs/financial-help.

How to apply: Apply at apply.coveredca.com (it also checks Medi-Cal eligibility). Phone (800) 300-1506, TTY (888) 889-4500, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open enrollment runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31, with special enrollment after a major life change. How to apply: https://www.coveredca.com/support/getting-started/how-to-apply.

Medicare Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)

Who it helps: People with Medicare who have limited income and resources. Medicare.gov lists 2026 limits of $23,940 income and $18,090 resources for an individual, and $32,460 income and $36,100 resources for a married couple. Some people qualify automatically (full Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program or SSI).

How to apply: Apply online at https://secure.ssa.gov/i1020/Ee001View.action or call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free help is available from SHIP at shiphelp.org. Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Help from drug makers

NeedyMeds

Who it helps: Anyone looking for programs that help with medication or health care costs, including drug maker assistance, free and low-cost clinics and government programs. This nonprofit says its information is free to access without registration.

How to apply: Website: https://www.needymeds.org/.

For everyday prices

For everyday prescriptions, compare pharmacy prices and use the free LowerScript card. Check your price and get the card on the California card page. It is a discount, not insurance, and prices vary by pharmacy.

LowerScript is a private discount card, not a government program.

Sources