State guide
How to pay less for medication in District of Columbia
The state programs and rules that affect what you pay for prescriptions in District of Columbia, plus the nationwide help that works everywhere.
| Medicaid expansion | Yes |
| State insulin copay cap | $30 per 30-day supply (state-regulated plans) |
| Health insurance marketplace | DC Health Link |
| State drug help programs | None listed besides the HIV program (ADAP) |
Medicaid in District of Columbia
District of Columbia expanded Medicaid. Adults under 65 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify, and most prescriptions cost little or nothing.
You can apply for Medicaid any time of year. Find your state agency through Medicaid.gov.
Insulin
District of Columbia caps insulin at $30 for a 30-day supply in state-regulated health plans. Many job-based plans are self-funded and regulated federally instead, so ask your plan whether the cap applies to you.
HIV medication
District of Columbia runs an AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) that helps pay for HIV medication. See HIV.gov to find it.
On Medicare in District of Columbia?
- Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) gives free, unbiased Medicare help. Find it at shiphelp.org or call 877-839-2675.
- Check whether you qualify for Extra Help, which can cut copays to a few dollars.
- Open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7. Use our checklist.
Help that works in every state
- Look up your medication for its drugmaker program, generics and cash prices.
- Community health centers in District of Columbia charge by income.
- Six ways to pay less, and what to do with no insurance.
Common questions
Did District of Columbia expand Medicaid?
District of Columbia expanded Medicaid. Adults under 65 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify, and most prescriptions cost little or nothing.
Does District of Columbia cap insulin costs?
District of Columbia caps insulin at $30 for a 30-day supply in state-regulated health plans. Many job-based plans are self-funded and regulated federally instead, so ask your plan whether the cap applies to you.
Where do I buy a Marketplace health plan in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia runs its own marketplace, DC Health Link.
Sources: KFF (Medicaid expansion) · American Diabetes Association (insulin caps) · NCSL (state programs) · healthinsurance.org (marketplaces). Last checked October 1, 2026.
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