Medi-Cal Pharmacy Benefits: What's Covered and How to Use Them
Understanding Your Medi-Cal Pharmacy Benefits
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, providing free or low-cost health coverage to eligible residents. Your Medi-Cal benefits include comprehensive pharmacy coverage — and Pharmacy 1 accepts all Medi-Cal plans at every location.
What Does Medi-Cal Cover?
- Generic prescription medications — Most have zero copay
- Brand-name medications — When medically necessary (may need prior authorization)
- Insulin and diabetic supplies — Including test strips, syringes, and lancets
- Mental health medications — Antidepressants, anti-anxiety, mood stabilizers
- Asthma and respiratory medications — Inhalers, nebulizer solutions
- Immunizations — Flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and more
Medi-Cal Copays
Most generic medications have zero copay. Some brand-name medications may have a small copay of $1-$3. Children, pregnant women, and those in long-term care are exempt from all copays.
Plans We Accept
Community Health Group, Molina Healthcare, Health Net, Blue Shield Promise, LA Care, CalOptima, Inland Empire Health Plan, Partnership HealthPlan, Central California Alliance, Gold Coast Health Plan, and all fee-for-service Medi-Cal.
Prior Authorization
Some medications require prior authorization. Our pharmacy team handles the entire process — contacting your doctor and insurance plan. Most PAs are resolved within 24-48 hours.
Transferring Your Medi-Cal Prescriptions
Switching to Pharmacy 1 is easy and free. We contact your previous pharmacy, transfer all prescriptions, and verify your Medi-Cal coverage. No paperwork for you.
Free Delivery for Medi-Cal Members
All patients — including Medi-Cal members — get free medication delivery. No minimum order. Same-day delivery available. Call (619) 375-2242 to get started.
Dr. Sarah Mansour, PharmD
Licensed Pharmacist at Pharmacy 1. Providing expert medication guidance to California communities.