How to Get a Prenatal Vitamin with Medicaid Benefits

If you have Medicaid, you may be able to get prenatal vitamins at little to no cost. Many women don’t know this and end up paying out of pocket for something they could get free or for just a few dollars. Here’s how to do it:

✅ Step 1: Ask Your Doctor for a Prescription

• Most Medicaid programs cover prescription prenatal vitamins.
  
  

• At your first prenatal appointment, ask your doctor or midwife to write you a prescription for prenatal vitamins.
  
  

• Even if you can buy them over-the-counter, a prescription makes them free or very low cost with Medicaid.
  
  

✅ Step 2: Go to a Pharmacy That Accepts Medicaid

• Take your prescription to a pharmacy that accepts Medicaid (most major chains and local pharmacies do).
  
  

• Show your Medicaid card at the counter.
  
  

• You’ll usually pay $0 or a very small copay (like $1–$3 depending on your state).
  
  

✅ Step 3: If You Can’t See a Doctor Right Away

• Some states allow pharmacists to recommend or dispense prenatal vitamins without a prescription if you have Medicaid.
  
  

• You can also ask your WIC clinic (if you qualify for WIC) – some give out free prenatals at your appointment.
  
  

✅ Step 4: Check Your State Medicaid Program

Medicaid benefits vary by state, but almost all states cover prenatal vitamins. To be sure:

• Call the number on the back of your Medicaid card.
  
  

• Ask: “Are prenatal vitamins covered with my plan?”
  
  

• Ask if you need a prescription or if they cover over-the-counter vitamins.
  
  

Important Tips:

✔ Always bring your Medicaid card to appointments and the pharmacy.
✔ If your pharmacy says the prescription isn’t covered, call your Medicaid member services and ask them to confirm coverage.
✔ If you can’t afford to wait, some free clinics, health departments, and WIC offices give out samples to hold you over.

Bonus: Which Prenatals Are Usually Covered by Medicaid?

• Most Medicaid plans cover generic prescription prenatals (they have everything you need, even if they’re not a name brand).
  
  

• If you want a specific brand (like gummies or organic), Medicaid usually won’t cover those unless your doctor says you medically need it.
  
  

Bottom line:
If you have Medicaid, don’t spend extra money on prenatals before checking your benefits. You can likely get them for free with a prescription from your doctor or clinic.