A number of states have been legislating programs to help older people with the cost of drugs. Every state covers the cost of pharmaceuticals for most Medicaid beneficiaries, and anyone who qualifies for Medicaid should check with the state Medicaid agency first to see about covering the cost of their medications. The programs listed below are intended to provide help to state residents who do not qualify for Medicaid prescription drug coverage.
Most of these programs are limited to people with incomes below certain caps, but those caps vary widely by program and by state, and most are tied to Federal Poverty Guidelines and change each year. A few states have "Drug Discount" programs which are available to state residents regardless of income.