TL;DR
LA County residents have three main pathways to free PrEP: California's PrEP-AP (covers medication, labs, and clinic visits for residents under 500% FPL — regardless of immigration status); in-person LGBTQ-specialized providers like the LA LGBT Center and APLA Health (sliding-scale, most patients pay $0); and telehealth Telehealth PrEP services (same-day online access, works regardless of insurance or immigration status). Medicaid (Medi-Cal) also covers PrEP at $0 for all California residents earning up to 138% FPL, regardless of immigration status.
Los Angeles's HIV landscape
LA County has the highest absolute HIV burden in California, with thousands of new diagnoses annually concentrated disproportionately among Black and Hispanic/Latino residents. The county is an EHE priority jurisdiction with enhanced federal prevention funding (though that funding has come under significant pressure in 2025-2026). LA County's size — ~10 million residents — means the PrEP provider network is extensive but also uneven, with strong coverage in central LA, Long Beach, and the San Fernando Valley, and thinner access in the Antelope Valley and some eastern county areas.
Three main pathways to free PrEP in Los Angeles
Pathway 1: California PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP)
California operates the largest and most comprehensive PrEP Drug Assistance Program in the country. PrEP-AP covers generic Truvada, Descovy, and often Apretude, plus labs, clinic visits, STI treatment, and vaccines.
- Income eligibility: ≤500% FPL (~$75,300/year for an individual in 2026)
- Undocumented residents: Served regardless of immigration status
- Phone: 1-800-424-6812 (Prime Therapeutics pharmacy line)
- Application: Through enrolled PrEP-AP providers. LA County has many including the LA LGBT Center and APLA Health.
- Website: cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DOA/Pages/OA_adap_enroll_prepAP.aspx
Pathway 2: Medi-Cal (California Medicaid)
California expanded Medicaid eligibility to all adults up to 138% FPL regardless of immigration status in 2024. Medi-Cal covers PrEP (generic TDF/FTC, Descovy, Apretude) at $0 — including labs and visits — with no prior authorization allowed by state law (SB 159, 2019).
- Enroll: coveredca.com or dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal
- Phone: 1-800-541-5555 (Covered California); 1-800-786-4346 (Medi-Cal general)
- Who qualifies: California residents under 138% FPL (~$20,800/year individual), regardless of immigration status
Pathway 3: Online telehealth platforms
Online telehealth Some telehealth PrEP services provide free PrEP delivered to any Los Angeles address — including consultation, labs, and medication — regardless of insurance status. For many Los Angeles residents, this is the fastest path to $0 PrEP, especially for people who prefer privacy or can't make a daytime clinic appointment.
Los Angeles-area providers to know
LA LGBT Center
The largest LGBTQ organization in the world, serving more LGBT people than any other provider. McDonald/Wright Building: 1625 N. Schrader Blvd, LA 90028. Phone: (323) 993-7400. Provides PrEP, HIV/STI testing, and transgender care. lalgbtcenter.org
APLA Health
Major PrEP provider across LA County with multiple locations: Gleicher/Chen Health Center (3743 S. La Brea Ave), Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw (3710 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd), and Long Beach (525 E. 7th St). aplahealth.org
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)
Hollywood Healthcare Center: 6255 Sunset Blvd, 21st Floor, LA 90028 | (323) 860-5200. Multiple additional locations throughout LA County. Free testing hotline: (833) 243-7411.
Planned Parenthood Los Angeles
Multiple locations across LA County with PrEP services available. Accepts Medi-Cal, most commercial insurance, and sliding-scale for uninsured. plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-los-angeles
State-level programs and links
Los Angeles residents benefit from California's broader PrEP infrastructure. For state-level programs, eligibility details, and statewide resources, see our California PrEP guide or the complete state-by-state directory.
Additional California-specific programs include pharmacist PrEP prescribing authority (SB 159/SB 339 — California was the first state in the nation to authorize this, and pharmacists can now prescribe PrEP for up to 90 days with ongoing refills); and Getting to Zero California, a statewide initiative focused on PrEP scale-up.
Special populations in Los Angeles
If you're undocumented: California is the most inclusive state in the country. Full-scope Medi-Cal is available regardless of immigration status. PrEP-AP serves regardless of immigration status. Gilead Advancing Access has no immigration requirement. LA LGBT Center, APLA Health, and other community providers routinely serve undocumented patients.
If you're a minor: California law allows minors age 12+ to consent to STI prevention services, which is generally interpreted to include PrEP. The LA LGBT Center specifically serves adolescents with confidential PrEP care.
If you're transgender: California has strong nondiscrimination protections for gender-affirming care. Trans-affirming PrEP providers include the LA LGBT Center, APLA Health, and FOLX Health (telehealth).
Frequently asked questions
How do I get free PrEP in Los Angeles without insurance?
Best options: (1) California PrEP-AP if under 500% FPL — serves regardless of immigration status; (2) telehealth Telehealth PrEP services for same-day $0 access; (3) LA LGBT Center or APLA Health on sliding scale. All three can result in $0 PrEP for uninsured LA residents.
Can I get free PrEP in LA if I'm undocumented?
Yes. California is explicitly inclusive of undocumented residents. Medi-Cal is now available regardless of immigration status. PrEP-AP serves undocumented residents. LA LGBT Center, APLA Health, and most FQHCs serve patients without requiring documentation. Gilead Advancing Access also serves undocumented patients and doesn't require a Social Security Number.
Where are the best PrEP clinics in Los Angeles?
Top-tier providers include the LA LGBT Center (Schrader Blvd), APLA Health (multiple locations), AHF Hollywood Healthcare Center, and Planned Parenthood LA. For telehealth, MISTR delivers to any LA address without a clinic visit required.
Does LA County Department of Public Health provide PrEP?
LA County DPH primarily coordinates HIV/STI prevention services rather than directly providing PrEP. They work closely with partnered community providers (LA LGBT Center, APLA Health, AHF, etc.) who do the direct PrEP provision. Start with a community provider directly.
Can I get injectable PrEP (Apretude, Yeztugo) in LA?
Yes. LA LGBT Center, APLA Health, and many LA County providers offer injectable PrEP. Medi-Cal and PrEP-AP both cover Apretude; Yeztugo coverage is rolling out through both. Telehealth platforms can also coordinate injectable PrEP with a local LA injection provider.