State guide

How to pay less for medication in Washington

The state programs and rules that affect what you pay for prescriptions in Washington, plus the nationwide help that works everywhere.

Last checked October 1, 2026

Medicaid expansion	Yes
State insulin copay cap	$35 per 30-day supply (state-regulated plans)
Health insurance marketplace	Washington Healthplanfinder
State drug help programs	None listed besides the HIV program (ADAP)

Medicaid in Washington

Washington 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

Washington caps insulin at $35 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.

All $35 insulin programs →

HIV medication

Washington runs an AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) that helps pay for HIV medication. See HIV.gov to find it.

On Medicare in Washington?

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 Washington charge by income.
Six ways to pay less, and what to do with no insurance.

Common questions

Did Washington expand Medicaid?

Washington 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 Washington cap insulin costs?

Washington caps insulin at $35 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 Washington?

Washington runs its own marketplace, Washington Healthplanfinder.

Sources: KFF (Medicaid expansion) · American Diabetes Association (insulin caps) · NCSL (state programs) · healthinsurance.org (marketplaces). Last checked October 1, 2026.