Born to Age   •   December 8, 2016

Drug discount programs may reduce your out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. Government agencies, retail pharmacies, drug manufacturers, and non-profit organizations offer a wide variety of programs with different kinds of benefits. One may be right for you.

The resources listed are provided as a convenience to the public and do not constitute all drug discount programs currently available to consumers. The California State Board of Pharmacy makes no guarantees or recommendations regarding individual organizations or the resources they provide.

Prescription Drug Discount Program for California Medicare Recipients

California Department of Health Care Services
(916) 552-9714
Website

California Medicare recipients can pay Medi-Cal prices (plus 15 cents per prescription) for their prescription drugs. There are no forms to fill out, and you do not need to be a Medi-Cal recipient. Display your Medicare card at the pharmacy counter and ask for the Medi-Cal discount. The discount will depend on the medication. You must pay out-of-pocket when filling the prescription, and the discount cannot be applied to other discounts or combined with any insurance coverage.

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage / Medicare Advantage Plans

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
(800) 633-4227
www.medicare.gov/pdphome.asp

Medicare prescription drug coverage is insurance coverage for brand-name and generic prescription drugs at participating pharmacies. Everyone with Medicare is eligible for coverage regardless of income, resources, or health status. To get Medicare prescription drug coverage, you must join a Medicare prescription drug plan or join a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare Health Plan offering drug coverage. Monthly premiums and co-payments vary by plan.

Social Security Prescription Drug Assistance

U.S. Social Security Administration
(800) 772-1213
www.socialsecurity.gov

If you have limited resources and income, you may qualify for extra help to pay for prescription drug coverage. The extra help could be worth up to $4,000 per year by paying for all or most prescription drug co-payments, monthly premiums, and annual deductibles. Eligibility depends on your income and the value of your savings, investments and real estate (other than your home). If married, Social Security will need this information from your spouse as well.