$4 Walmart generic prescriptions

[RowdysMom]

Here is a link to the story about the Walmart generic prescription program - http://www.usatoday.com/money/indust...rt-drugs_x.htm

There are only a few drugs on the list (300), but it is a start. Some say it is just a way to increase advertizing and that it won't do much good. However, I note there are 2 of the most common oral diabetes drugs on the list so for anyone with diabetes, they could get their meds for $4-$8 per month. I think anything that helps the uninsured is a good thing.

For anyone living in Texas, the HEB grocery stores just launched a $5 generic program with 500 meds on the list.

It's not much, but it's a start.......

[Erin]

What I want to know is how much these drugs cost before. Many generics are this cheap anyway. I know it's helpful to people without insurance (and even with - my generic co-pay is $15) but I still don't trust Wal-Mart...

[amspoelstra]

Originally Posted by Erin

What I want to know is how much these drugs cost before. Many generics are this cheap anyway. I know it's helpful to people without insurance (and even with - my generic co-pay is $15) but I still don't trust Wal-Mart...

I saw a news story on that the other night. Some drugs are pulled behind the counter and sold for $4 when they were cheaper before... It could be a good deal on some drugs, but do your research!!!

[red98vett]

Cool thank you - my husband takes prednizone and Albuteral and they usually run me full price because we have no health insurance ..since I lost mine after getting laid off - this is a start - I usually order overseas -but Walmart has these 2 on their list @ 4.00 ...cool ! thanks !!

[Erin]

Originally Posted by red98vett

Cool thank you - my husband takes prednizone and Albuteral and they usually run me full price because we have no health insurance ..since I lost mine after getting laid off - this is a start - I usually order overseas -but Walmart has these 2 on their list @ 4.00 ...cool ! thanks !!

I don't mean to start a political debate, but congress needs to stop being controlled by the drug & insurance companies and fix the system. Health insurance should not be tied to our jobs. How is someone going to go out and get independent health insurance (that pre-existing conditions everything!) when they just got laid off? Plus they pretty much deny chronically ill people - the people who need insurance the most! I won't go into my situation but I think anyone who has even had the possibility of loosing their insurance (especially when they are sick!) feels very strongly about this. We have a fundamental right to health care. I know Canada and the other "universal" systems have problems, but there's nothing to say we can't do it right!

My husband and I have been volunteering on a congressional campaign and health care is #1 on my list. I'm hoping we can help make a difference.

[RowdysMom]

Erin - you are so right!!! Health care IS a huge priority for our country - at least it should be - when you have about 45 million citizens with no health insurance, it is a shame and our leaders should be ashamed. We have one of the most advanced health care systems in the world that only some of our citizens can afford.

I'm glad to see that you are addressing the issue - we need more like you.

[RowdysMom]

Originally Posted by Erin

What I want to know is how much these drugs cost before. Many generics are this cheap anyway. I know it's helpful to people without insurance (and even with - my generic co-pay is $15) but I still don't trust Wal-Mart...

You are right Erin - most of the drugs are older drugs that are not that expensive at full price - but every little bit helps. So while it sounds like a wonderful service, it really isn't all that much savings.

However, I see it as a beginning and anything at all is helpful. Villette, for example, can now get some of her husband's meds just down the street, rather than having to order from overseas.

So there is some benefit.

It is possible however, that Walmart is only doing it for the PR - which may result in increased business, more than enough to make up for any costs incurred by the program. Then again, maybe not - I don't know.

I do think that it raises consciousness - and that is a step in the right direction.

[JeanieK]

Where can I find the list of drugs?

[RowdysMom]

In the original message, I meant to post that the program is only available in these states, Florida, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas and Vermont and when you go to this link http://www.usatoday.com/money/indust...rt-drugs_x.htm then you will see the link to the drug list. It is in a pdf file.

The article also says that Target stores will match the price too

[Erin]

Originally Posted by RowdysMom

You are right Erin - most of the drugs are older drugs that are not that expensive at full price - but every little bit helps. So while it sounds like a wonderful service, it really isn't all that much savings.

However, I see it as a beginning and anything at all is helpful. Villette, for example, can now get some of her husband's meds just down the street, rather than having to order from overseas.

So there is some benefit.

It is possible however, that Walmart is only doing it for the PR - which may result in increased business, more than enough to make up for any costs incurred by the program. Then again, maybe not - I don't know.

I do think that it raises consciousness - and that is a step in the right direction.

Oh I agree, and I would encourage anyone who will save money to run to Walmart. But I'm not a fan. I'm concerned that it's misleading, since it's not ALL generic drugs. I can just picture my grandmother going there and finding out her drug is $25, not $4, and not knowing what to do. Well, actually Granny would give them a piece of her mind... but you know what I mean.

Kind of unrelated, but our Walmart around here is no bargain compared to Target and sometimes even the grocery store on sale.

[Erin]

Originally Posted by RowdysMom

The article also says that Target stores will match the price too

I've found that Target will match those prescription gift card coupons too. CVS always puts them out, but I don't shop at CVS, I shop at Target. But Target will take those coupons. I always get them in the paper and can't always use them because it has to be a new or transferred one. I will post next time so I can mail it to someone who can.

[RowdysMom]

Originally Posted by Erin

Oh I agree, and I would encourage anyone who will save money to run to Walmart. But I'm not a fan. I'm concerned that it's misleading, since it's not ALL generic drugs. I can just picture my grandmother going there and finding out her drug is $25, not $4, and not knowing what to do. Well, actually Granny would give them a piece of her mind... but you know what I mean..

I agree with you too - that they have probably figured out a way to save/make a buck and that is the only reason they are doing it. But I don't know one way or the other - so if it can help some - then that is a good thing. I'm just hoping that it will get everyone stirred up - if the public would demand health care for all - it would happen!!!

[irishawk]

I read somewhere that Target is going to match Wal Mart's $4 prescriptions.

I work in the pharma industry so I'm going to keep out of this one!!!

[Saleswman]

Originally Posted by irishawk

I read somewhere that Target is going to match Wal Mart's $4 prescriptions.

I work in the pharma industry so I'm going to keep out of this one!!!

We both know how much profit is in generics for the pharmacy.......

[yorkieangel]

Could someone please copy and paste the list of available drugs ? For some reason I can't pull it up.


Thanks