Prescription savings guide
Prescription Help for the Uninsured in California
Last updated September 11, 2026 · Reviewed by the LowerScript editorial team · Español
About 6.9% of Californians under 65 have no health insurance (Census ACS, 2020–2024). California adopted the ACA Medicaid expansion effective January 1, 2014 (KFF), so more low-income adults qualify for Medi-Cal here than in a state that has not expanded — and California runs its own state-based marketplace, Covered California, and always has, never using HealthCare.gov. If you're uninsured, checking your Medi-Cal eligibility, shopping Covered California, and using a free prescription discount card can each lower what you pay for medications, often without any coverage at all.
Start here
Get a free card and compare your medication's cash price at nearby pharmacies, then fill where it's cheapest.
Check your Medi-Cal eligibility
California adopted the ACA Medicaid expansion effective January 1, 2014 (KFF, The California Health Care Landscape). Non-elderly adults without dependent children — the expansion group — qualify for Medi-Cal with household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, including a built-in 5% MAGI income disregard (healthinsurance.org, Medicaid eligibility and enrollment in California). As of October 2025, 13,065,328 Californians were enrolled in Medi-Cal/Medicaid in total, including 5,024,843 specifically in the ACA expansion group as of June 2025, per healthinsurance.org's synthesis of KFF/CMS enrollment data.
Shop Covered California
If you don't qualify for Medi-Cal, Covered California is the state's own health insurance marketplace — California has run it since the ACA marketplaces first opened and has never used HealthCare.gov. 1,927,371 Californians enrolled in a 2026 plan during open enrollment, per healthinsurance.org's summary of Covered California's release data, and about eight in ten enrollees qualified for a premium tax credit, with an average subsidy of $579 a month, per the same source. Visit coveredca.com to check your options.
For expensive drugs
Check manufacturer patient-assistance programs and nonprofits. See California prescription assistance programs.
Local resources
California's 211 helpline (211ca.org) can point you to community health centers and local support.
Frequently asked questions
How can I afford medication without insurance in California?
Use a free discount card, choose generics, compare pharmacies, and check your Medi-Cal or Covered California eligibility.
Is a discount card enough on its own?
For many common drugs, yes. For expensive brand drugs, combine it with assistance programs.
Where do I get a free card?
Download the free LowerScript card on this site — no sign-up.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates (via Census QuickFacts); KFF, The California Health Care Landscape; healthinsurance.org, Medicaid eligibility and enrollment in California; healthinsurance.org, California Health Insurance Marketplace. This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your medications. LowerScript is a discount program, not insurance.
Ready to save? Get your free California discount card or check a medication price.
Get your free cardMore guides: What Is a Prescription Discount Card? · How to Use a Prescription Discount Card · Can You Use a Discount Card With Medicare? · Insurance vs Cash Price: Which Is Cheaper? | All savings guides · Drug prices