If you are one of the thousands of womxn navigating these changes to your coverage, here’s what you should know about your options.

At Alto, we believe that affordable and equitable access to a medication as basic and fundamental as birth control should be protected by law.

A recent Supreme Court decision has changed the rules that employers must follow when determining what medications will be covered at no-cost by employer-sponsored insurance plans. Per the July 8th decision, employers can now opt out of providing no-cost coverage for contraceptives (previously required under the Affordable Care Act). This change may mean that you now have an increased out-of-pocket costs - or may have no insurance coverage at all - for your birth control medications.

Birth control is essential health care - nine in ten women will use contraceptives in their lifetime. At Alto, we believe that affordable and equitable access to a medication as basic and fundamental as birth control should be protected by law. 

If you are one of the thousands of womxn navigating these changes to your coverage, here’s what you should know about your options:

Generic options - If your current medication now has a high out-of-pocket cost, you can ask your healthcare provider if there are generic options or other alternatives to consider that may be more affordable, while still being safe and effective. 

Coupons and discounts - Ask your pharmacy to confirm they’ve checked for any available manufacturer coupons, copay cards, or savings programs that you may be eligible for.

Health savings account - If you have access to a health savings account (usually available with high deductible health plans), pay for your birth control with your HSA funds. HSA contributions are tax-free.

If you live in one of Alto’s service areas, we will automatically apply any available coupons, search for lower cost alternatives, and coordinate any switches with your healthcare provider so you can have affordable access to your medication, on schedule and without delays. 

Our pharmacies stock dozens of birth control options, all available for free, same-day courier delivery. Reach out to our pharmacists with any questions - we’re available seven days a week via phone, text, email or chat in our app.

1 https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/contraceptive-use-united-states, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/newsroom/press-releases/planned-parenthood-announces-nationwide-fight-for-birth-control

If you are one of the thousands of womxn navigating changes to your coverage, here’s what you should know about your options.

Tips for Navigating Birth Control Costs

Given how accessible pharmacies are in many communities, there’s growing recognition that expanding the role of pharmacists in HIV prevention can help increase PrEP usage. Here’s a high-level overview of the process for getting PrEP from a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription.

PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, has tremendous potential to save lives: the HIV prevention medication can lower risk of sexual transmission by 99% when taken daily. But ever since PrEP was first approved by the FDA in 2012, barriers like affordability, lack of access to healthcare systems, and fear of stigma have contributed to low usage rates. According to the American Journal of Public Health, fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from PrEP are taking it.

For many people at risk of contracting HIV, getting PrEP from a primary care provider isn’t an option. They may live far from a doctor, or they may not have a doctor they’re comfortable speaking with about their sexual health. Pharmacists have an opportunity to fill a critical need in expanding access to PrEP, as most people visit a pharmacy 35 times a year on average, and more than 90% of people in the U.S. live within five miles of one. 

Given how accessible pharmacies are in many communities, there’s growing recognition that expanding the role of pharmacists in HIV prevention can help increase PrEP usage. California became the first state to allow pharmacists to prescribe PrEP in 2019, and Colorado became the second in November 2020. Nevada passed a law in June, expected to be implemented in the near future, that will allow pharmacists to prescribe PrEP and provide related services including HIV testing. A handful of other states now have similar legislation underway.

Getting PrEP from a pharmacy under the new laws

If you live in a state with expanded PrEP access, here’s a high-level overview of the process for getting PrEP from a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription.

A negative HIV test and baseline testing for sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis B, and kidney disease are required to start PrEP. Under the new guidelines, your pharmacy can order the lab work directly through your insurance. If it’s safe for you to start PrEP based on the lab results, your pharmacist will contact you for a consultation to discuss usage and side effects and answer any questions you have.

Most of the legislation limits pharmacist-prescribed PrEP to a 60 or 90-day supply. After that, you will need a doctor’s prescription to continue with PrEP. Check local guidelines for the latest information in your state. The following resources can connect you with a provider who will prescribe PrEP:

There are several FDA-approved medication options for PrEP: Truvada®, Descovy®, and a generic for Truvada, which became available in October 2020. PrEP may be right for you if you have a partner who is HIV-positive or unsure of their HIV status, or if you have multiple partners. It also reduces the risk of getting HIV from intravenous drug use by about 74%. Consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions about whether PrEP is the right choice for you.

In addition to the initial baseline testing, you will also have to visit a healthcare provider for follow-up testing while taking PrEP, including:

Sexually transmitted infection testing every 3 to 6 months

Pregnancy testing and discussion of pregnancy plans every 3 months

HBV DNA testing every 6 to 12 months while taking PrEP if you have hepatitis B

We’ll help you get PrEP at the most affordable price

PrEP is now more accessible and affordable than ever, no matter which state you live in. Excited? We are, too! We’ll update this post when Alto pharmacists at our California and Colorado locations are able to prescribe PrEP.  

Until then, we’re still the best option to fill and deliver your PrEP prescription. We will coordinate with your doctor and your insurance provider to ensure you’re receiving the best PrEP option for your needs at the most affordable price. In addition to our AAHIVP-certified pharmacist team, you can expect:

Discrete, private packaging and free, same-day delivery

Med syncing support and in-app reminders to stay on track

Pharmacists directly available through phone, text or within the Alto app

Reach out any time to get started via text or phone at 1-800-874-5881, or in-app messaging.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

Expanded PrEP Access at Pharmacies: What to Know

What Updated CDC Guidelines Mean for PrEP Access

For the first time since 2017, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is updating its guidelines for PrEP, a medication that can lower risk of sexual transmission of HIV by 99% when taken daily. The new guidelines — which inform local healthcare policies and doctors’ decision-making processes — address key barriers to PrEP access, including a lack of provider awareness about PrEP and patient reluctance to disclose sexual activity or drug use. 

Moving forward, the CDC has recommended that healthcare providers share information about PrEP with any patient who is sexually active, and that any patient can receive a prescription for PrEP if requested.

Here is some additional context about the forthcoming updates, which should go into effect before the end of the year, pending revisions based upon feedback from experts.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, 1 in 3 healthcare providers has not heard about PrEP. There are countless others who are aware of the medication but don’t have all the facts.

Under current guidelines, many doctors only share information about PrEP with patients who presently have multiple partners or a partner who is HIV-positive or unsure of their HIV status. In reality, more people could benefit from PrEP, including those who are single and sexually active.

Some healthcare professionals also falsely believe that PrEP and condom use are mutually exclusive. Many people have felt shamed when asking for PrEP due to their healthcare provider’s stigmatized perceptions of traditional PrEP users. 

Under the new, soon-to-be-implemented federal guidelines for PrEP, anyone who is sexually active should receive PrEP information from their healthcare provider, including adolescents. Given that many traditional sex education programs in schools throughout the U.S. aren’t providing LGBTQIA+ youth with the resources they need to stay safe and healthy, the new guidelines are an important step toward more inclusive sexual education.

Opening up the conversation about HIV prevention to more individuals aligns with what Dr. Lisa Sterman, MD, MPH, shared during a conversation with Alto in October 2020.

“A lot of people may think, ‘I’m not at risk’ or, ‘that’s not my group of people,’” Sterman said. “The way I teach it is: if you’ve ever had sex, you’re at risk for HIV. If you’ve ever shared drug needles, you’re at risk for HIV. Everyone should know their status.”

Addressing fear of discrimination or stigma at the doctor’s office

Under current CDC guidelines, patients must share personal details about their sexual health or drug use with their doctors to get a PrEP prescription. However, many people at risk of contracting HIV don’t feel like they can speak openly with their healthcare providers, particularly LGBTQIA+ people of color, who face multiple forms of discrimination. 

Too often, this leads to negative health outcomes and disparities in HIV rates. The CDC’s new proposed guidelines for PrEP account for the fact that some patients may not feel comfortable disclosing personal information about their sexual health or drug use. 

While conversations between doctors and patients about PrEP will initially cover a patient’s sexual health history, the CDC is recommending that any patient can receive a prescription for PrEP if requested. This means that you can get PrEP without disclosing personal information related to your risk for HIV, another big step forward for PrEP access and HIV prevention.

There are more FDA-approved medication options for PrEP than ever before: Truvada®, Descovy®, and a generic for Truvada, which became available in October 2020. The following resources can connect you with a provider who will prescribe PrEP for you:

Alto will coordinate with your doctor and your insurance provider to ensure you’re receiving the best PrEP option for your needs at the most affordable price. And you can connect directly with pharmacists who have expertise in HIV prevention and treatment through phone, text, or within the Alto app.

Many states have patient assistance programs to help people with a variety of insurance statuses access PrEP and related medical services at little to no cost. Here’s a breakdown of how to apply.

What to Know About State-Funded PrEP-DAP Programs

Cost is often a barrier to starting PrEP, a medication that can lower your risk of sexual transmission of HIV by 99% when taken daily. Fortunately, the HIV prevention landscape is rapidly evolving, and PrEP is now more accessible than ever.

As of this January, most private insurance plans must cover PrEP for HIV prevention without charging any out-of-pocket costs. In addition, many states have patient assistance programs to help people with a variety of insurance statuses access PrEP and related medical services at little to no cost. Here’s a breakdown of how to apply for state-funded PrEP drug assistance programs — also referred to as PrEP-DAP or PrEP-AP programs —  in four of the states that Alto serves.

The State of California’s PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP) helps cover PrEP-related medical expenses, with different benefits for individuals without insurance, those with private insurance, and those with Medicare.

You can receive Truvada®, one of the two FDA-approved PrEP medications, free of charge through Gilead’s Advancing Access® Program. California’s PrEP-AP will also provide financial assistance with all other medications on the PrEP-AP formulary for HIV prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the following PrEP-related medical services:

To be eligible for the assistance, you must receive all PrEP-related medical services at approved locations within the California Department of Public Health’s Office of AIDS PrEP-AP Provider Network. Search for a California PrEP-AP provider or enrollment site near you. 

Gilead’s Co-Payment Assistance Program covers up to $7,200 of Truvada® copays per calendar year. Once you’ve met this threshold, California’s PrEP-AP will cover any remaining PrEP copays for the rest of the calendar year, in addition to assistance for out-of-pocket costs for PrEP-related medical services and all other medication on the PrEP-AP formulary for HIV prevention and STI treatment. To be eligible for assistance with PrEP-related medical services, you must see a provider in your insurance plan’s network.

If you have prescription medication coverage through Medicare, you are not eligible for financial assistance from Gilead, but California’s PrEP-AP offers financial assistance with copays for all medications on the PrEP-AP formulary including Truvada®.

If you do not have prescription medication coverage through Medicare, you are eligible to enroll in Gilead’s Patient Assistance Program and receive Truvada® free of charge. In addition, California’s PrEP-AP will provide assistance with all other medications on the PrEP-AP formulary.

Anyone who has outpatient coverage through Medicare is also eligible to receive assistance from California’s PrEP-AP for PrEP-related medical services. However, you must see a provider in your plan’s network.

To be eligible for California’s PrEP-AP, you must:

Have a negative HIV test dated within six months of the PrEP-AP application

Have an annual Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) that does not exceed 500% of the Federal Poverty Level based on family size and household income

Not be fully covered by Medi-Cal or other third party payers

Be enrolled in the manufacturer's assistance program, if eligible

Colorado’s Public Health Intervention Program (PHIP) helps cover PrEP expenses for anyone living in Colorado who has an income less than 500% of the Federal Poverty Level.

If you have insurance, you must apply for the Gilead copay card to receive the assistance. If you do not have insurance, you must apply for Gilead’s Advancing Access program and see an approved PHIP-PrEP medical provider.

You can apply online or by mail. You must provide the following documents:

Proof of income (one month's worth of paystubs, award letter, etc.)

Gilead Co-Pay Card, if you have insurance

PHIP is not eligible for those with Colorado Medicaid. However, if you have Colorado Medicaid, your PrEP costs should be covered at a $1-3 copay for both medication and related medical services.

The New York State Department of Health’s AIDS Institute has a PrEP assistance program for individuals without insurance. The program covers the cost of PrEP-related medical services including HIV testing, counseling, STI testing, and primary care services. The cost of PrEP itself will be covered through manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs, to which healthcare providers affiliated with the program can help you apply.

Eligibility is based on financial and medical need. Learn more about how to apply and search for a New York State PrEP-AP provider near you.

Washington State’s PrEP Drug Assistance Program (PrEP-DAP) provides financial assistance with  PrEP and related medical services.

The program covers the cost of Truvada®. The Washington Department of Public Health contracts with Ramsell Corp® to provide pharmacy benefits for program participants. You must use a pharmacy contracted with Ramsell for PrEP-DAP to receive the financial assistance (Alto is contracted with Ramsell).

In addition, Washington’s PrEP-DAP also covers many of the PrEP-related lab and medical services including baseline and monitoring tests for STIs, kidney function, and Hepatitis B. If you have insurance, the program covers your portion of insurance deductibles, copays, and coinsurance up to a certain limit. To confirm the current maximum amount of financial assistance for individuals with insurance, call 360-236-3412 or 877-376-9316 (toll free) or email PrEPDAP@doh.wa.gov.

If you do not have insurance, the program will cover all of the costs up to the maximum amount of covered services.

To be eligible for Washington’s PrEP-DAP, you must live in Washington State, test negative for HIV, and meet one of several defined risk factors, described in more detail here.

There are several FDA-approved medication options for PrEP: Truvada®, Descovy®, and Emtricitabine 200 mg/Tenofovir 300 mg (generic Truvada, which became available in October 2020). PrEP may be right for you if you have a partner who is HIV-positive or unsure of their HIV status, or if you have multiple partners. It also reduces the risk of getting HIV from intravenous drug use by about 74%. Consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions about whether PrEP is the right choice for you.

A negative HIV test is required before starting PrEP. Your doctor or pharmacist may also recommend additional tests to ensure that it’s safe for you to use PrEP. Initial baseline testing may include:

You will also have to visit a healthcare provider while taking PrEP for follow-up testing including:

Alto will coordinate with your doctor and your insurance provider to ensure you’re receiving the best PrEP option for your needs at the most affordable price. We offer discrete, private packaging and free, same-day delivery along with in-app reminders to stay on track. And our pharmacists — who have deep expertise in many clinical areas, including HIV treatment and prevention — are directly available through phone, text, or within the Alto app to answer any questions.

PEP is a medication you can take within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV to lower your chances of contracting the virus. Read on to learn more about who is eligible for it and when to use it.

What to Know About Using PEP to Prevent HIV Infection

PEP, or post exposure prophylaxis, is a medication you can take within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV to lower your chances of contracting the virus. While some research indicates that this groundbreaking medication may be able to lower your risk of HIV infection by up to 80%, it is only effective when taken as prescribed and is not intended to be a method of ongoing, recurring HIV prevention (see our article on PrEP to learn more about long-term preventative options).

Read on to learn more about what PEP is (and what it isn’t), who is eligible for it, and when to use it.

PEP is a medication regimen that you begin taking as soon as possible after potential exposure to HIV and continue with for at least 28 days. It typically consists of three medications: Truvada® (emtricitabine/tenofovir) with either Tivicay® (dolutegravir) or Isentress® (raltegravir). Your healthcare provider will recommend the best medication regimen for your health needs during your consultation.

These medications are antiretrovirals, a type of medication that blocks various stages of a virus’ life cycle. In this case, PEP prevents HIV from spreading throughout your body. Taking PEP medications as prescribed throughout the entire 28-day duration is critical to its effectiveness.

It’s important to reach out to a healthcare provider or pharmacist to start PEP as soon as possible if you believe you were exposed to HIV. The virus spreads very quickly — typically within 24 to 36 hours of exposure — and it is recommended to begin taking PEP within 72 hours, or three days, of potential exposure. 

And the sooner you begin your PEP regimen within that 72-hour window, the more effective the medication is at blocking the virus. If your potential exposure to HIV falls outside of that 72-hour window, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible for further evaluation.

PEP may cause some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue, however these are mild in most cases. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider of any other medications you currently take, as these may interact with PEP.

If you experience a rash or fever while taking PEP, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible, as these may indicate the early stages of HIV.

PEP works most effectively for people who may have been exposed to HIV within the last three days. That primarily includes anyone who had unprotected sex with or who shared needles or other drug paraphernalia with someone who may have HIV. It is also recommended in instances of sexual assault or if you used a condom that broke while having sex with someone who may have HIV.

PEP baseline testing and ongoing monitoring

Recommended baseline screening for PEP includes a rapid HIV test, kidney and liver function tests, a pregnancy test for women of reproductive age who aren’t using birth control, and screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, if baseline screening isn’t available when you reach out to a healthcare provider or pharmacist to start PEP, they will likely advise you to take your first dose before you complete the tests, in the interest of starting PEP as soon as possible. Additional HIV testing is recommended at 30 days and 90 days after the potential exposure to confirm your HIV status.

In all states, any licensed doctor or nurse can prescribe PEP. And in a growing number of states, including California, Colorado, and Nevada, pharmacists are also allowed to prescribe PEP. (If you live in California, an Alto pharmacist can prescribe PEP for you after a phone consultation.)

Since the medication should be taken as soon as possible after exposure, PEP is commonly prescribed by emergency room doctors. It is also available at many sexual health clinics and community-based health centers, but if you have been exposed to HIV after standard working hours, you should visit your nearest hospital’s emergency department as soon as possible.

PEP isn’t an ongoing method of HIV prevention

PEP is only for emergencies and infrequent exposures, as it is not 100% effective in preventing HIV even when taken as prescribed. It should not be considered a substitute for proven methods of long-term HIV prevention, including condoms and/or taking PrEP, a medication that can lower your risk of sexual transmission of HIV by 99% when taken daily. It is also important to continue using condoms during your 28-day course of PEP.

If you have had several potential exposures to HIV, speak with your doctor about potentially taking PrEP to prevent HIV infection in the long term.

Alto can help you navigate PEP or PrEP access

Alto pharmacists at our California locations are able to prescribe PEP. We will work with your insurance (if applicable) and any third party savings programs so that you can get PEP at the lowest possible price. 

There are several patient assistance programs designed to reduce the cost of PEP for individuals without insurance, including Gilead’s Advancing Access Program and ViivConnect. If you’re eligible, we’ll automatically enroll you in these programs as soon as we receive your prescription.

We can also help you get started with PrEP if you and your doctor decide that it’s right for you. In addition to support with navigating insurance and patient assistance programs, you can expect:

Med syncing support to eliminate extra deliveries each month and in-app reminders to stay on track

Pharmacists directly available through phone, text or within the Alto app seven days a week

September 27 is National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, an important reminder that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) disproportionately affect gay and bisexual men.

National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

September 27 is National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, an important reminder that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) disproportionately affect gay and bisexual men. In 2019, these individuals accounted for 69% of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S.

The high rates of HIV and AIDS among these individuals date back to the origins of the epidemic in the 1980s and 90s, in part because the virus transmits more easily through anal sex than vaginal sex. And this deep-rooted prevalence of HIV and AIDS in LGBTQ+ communities perpetuates a cycle: since HIV and AIDS are historically more common among gay and bisexual men, other gay and bisexual men face a higher risk of contracting it.

In recent years there has been significant progress toward reducing the annual infection rate. New cases of HIV among gay and bisexual men ages 13-24 dropped by 33% between 2015-2019. But there’s still much more progress to be made. Several factors contribute to HIV’s continued disproportionate impact upon gay and bisexual men, including ongoing stigma around HIV — which can deter people from seeking HIV prevention services and testing — race/ethncity discrimination, and disparities in healthcare access.

Even as HIV cases continue to decline and more effective treatment options allow individuals with the virus to have active, full lives, it’s important to stay vigilant about testing and prevention services. 

An estimated 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, and about 13% of them aren’t aware of their HIV status. According to the CDC, nearly 40% of new HIV infections are transmitted by people who do not know that they have the virus.

Getting tested is the only way to know your HIV status. It’s free, it’s confidential, and it’s one of the most important things you can do to protect your health and the health of potential sexual partners.

If your test results are positive, there are effective treatment options that can keep you healthy. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a combination of medications that reduce the amount of HIV in your bloodstream (known as your viral load). When taken every day as prescribed, ART can help you reach an undetectable viral load. Maintaining an undetectable viral load can keep your immune system strong and prevent you from transmitting the virus to others.

It’s important to start ART as soon as possible, so reach out to your healthcare provider right away if you’ve tested positive for HIV. Delaying treatment can put you at a greater risk for developing AIDS or transmitting the virus to others.

If your test results are negative, you can continue to protect your health by using condoms and taking an HIV prevention medication called PrEP if you and your doctor decide it’s right for you.

PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, can lower risk of sexual transmission of HIV by 99% when taken daily and reduces the risk of getting HIV from intravenous drug use by about 74%. PrEP may be right for you if you have a partner who is HIV-positive or unsure of their HIV status, or if you have multiple partners. 

In recent years, PrEP has become even more accessible, with generic medication options and expanded health insurance coverage of PrEP. In addition, a handful of states, including California and Colorado, recently passed legislation that allows pharmacists to prescribe the HIV prevention medication. Pharmacists at Alto’s California locations are now able to prescribe PrEP (see our free, same-day prescription delivery areas here).

The following resources can connect you with a provider who may prescribe PrEP:

Using PEP for emergencies and accidental exposures

There’s another HIV prevention medication to be aware of: PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, which is taken within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV to lower your chances of contracting the virus. 

PEP can be prescribed by a healthcare provider at emergency rooms, sexual health clinics, community-based health centers, and, in some states, pharmacies. The sooner you begin taking PEP, the more effective it is at blocking the virus, so if you have been exposed to HIV after standard working hours, visit your nearest hospital’s emergency department as soon as possible.

PEP is only for emergencies and accidental exposures. If you anticipate ongoing risk of exposure to HIV, consider asking your doctor about taking PrEP for long-term protection.

The HIV prevention landscape is regularly evolving, and we have an extensive library of PrEP, PEP, and HIV-focused content to help you understand and access HIV prevention medications and services. Consult with a healthcare provider to make the best decisions for your needs.

Here are just a few of the resources we offer:

Getting PrEP for HIV prevention at an affordable cost

Expanded PrEP access at pharmacies: What to know

What updated CDC guidelines mean for PrEP access

Alto can help you navigate HIV treatment and prevention medication

Our pharmacists have deep expertise in HIV treatment and prevention and can help you get started with antiretroviral therapy, PrEP, or PEP. We will coordinate with your doctor and your insurance provider to ensure that you’re receiving the best option for your needs at the bestprice. Pharmacists at our California locations are also able to prescribe PrEP and PEP.

To learn more, reach out any time via text or phone at 1-800-874-5881, or in-app messaging.

Your partner in navigating the ins and outs of prescriptions — at no extra cost.

Alto Pharmacy Technician

Alto Pharmacist

You’ve made a commitment to your health, so here’s our commitment to you: free deliveries, quarterly lab reminders, and expert pharmacist support to answer any of your questions.

Your patient care and pharmacist team at Alto has deep experience in your medication regimen. You’re in this for the long haul, and we are, too.

Alto’s very first deliveries were birth control medications. We’ve grown, but our pharmacies still stock hundreds of options for you.

A new diagnosis can bring both reassurance that there’s a plan and worry about what’s next. Alto has all the medication you’ll need to feel in control and on the path to feeling better.

"Alto was a lot easier and always a lot more reliable than going to the pharmacy"

My medicine doesn’t seem to be working.

This acne medicine is upsetting my stomach.

When you have questions about side effects, or are worried about missing a dose, or not sure if you’re administering it correctly — we’re here to lend a hand.

With Alto, you won’t have to fight the lines at the pharmacy. Our couriers hand-deliver your medication to your door, whenever and wherever you need it.

Ask your doctor to send your prescription directly to Alto or ask us to transfer refills from your old pharmacy. We’ll look for any savings, including coupons and assistance programs, and reach out when it’s time to schedule your free delivery.

Yes. As a full-service pharmacy, Alto can fill nearly all medications, including specialty, over-the-counter, brand, and generic. Alto’s pharmacists have deep expertise in many clinical areas, including heart and lung health, diabetes, fertility, HIV/PrEP/HRT, and more.

Yes. We accept most major insurance plans, including government-administered plans, and always work to get you the lowest price. Please note that coverage varies by state. For up to date information on coverage in your area call us at 1 (800) 874-5881.

Wellness and prevention, on your terms.

We’re specialists in medication for:

PrEP

Hormone replacement therapy

Birth control

Sexually transmitted infections

"Alto was a lot easier and always a lot more reliable than going to the pharmacy"

Ask your pharmacist, not the Internet.

Free hand-delivery to your door.

FAQs

How does Alto work?

Do you carry my medication?

Will I be covered by my insurance?

Switch to a better pharmacy.

Wellness and prevention, on your terms.

We’re specialists in medication for:

PrEP

Hormone replacement therapy

Birth control

Sexually transmitted infections

"Alto was a lot easier and always a lot more reliable than going to the pharmacy"

From Our Blog

National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

What to Know About Using PEP to Prevent HIV Infection

What to Know About State-Funded PrEP-DAP Programs

What Updated CDC Guidelines Mean for PrEP Access

Expanded PrEP Access at Pharmacies: What to Know

Tips for Navigating Birth Control Costs

Ask your pharmacist, not the Internet.

Free hand-delivery to your door.

FAQs

How does Alto work?

Do you carry my medication?

Will I be covered by my insurance?

Switch to a better pharmacy.