Wal-Mart Expands $4 Generic Prescription Program Nationwide

Strategic Insights -

As of tomorrow, Wal-Mart's 131 pharmacies in Pennsylvania will join the chain's $4 generic prescription program, expanding the initiative to 811 pharmacies across 20 states. This move comes after Target Corp. announced a similar program in its pharmacies and BJ's Wholesale Club introduced a $4 generic prescription program in Pennsylvania. The Wal-Mart program, first introduced in Florida in September, has seen significant growth, with 2.1 million more new prescriptions filled in participating states between September and November. The program offers 331 generic prescriptions at a 30-day supply at commonly prescribed dosages, representing over 25% of prescriptions dispensed in Wal-Mart pharmacies nationwide.

Key Takeaways:

  • Wal-Mart's $4 generic prescription program expanded to 811 pharmacies across 20 states, including Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
  • Target Corp. also introduced a $4 generic prescription program in its pharmacies, further reducing costs for consumers.
  • BJ's Wholesale Club extended its $4 generic prescription program to Pennsylvania, charging $4 for 30-day supplies of select generic medication prescriptions.
  • Wal-Mart's program was first introduced in Florida in September and previously had a rollout plan outside the state for January 2007.
  • However, due to high demand, Wal-Mart accelerated the rollout, making it available in 49 states.
  • The program offers 331 generic prescriptions at a 30-day supply at commonly prescribed dosages, representing over 25% of prescriptions dispensed in Wal-Mart pharmacies nationwide.

Statistics:

  • 811 pharmacies across 20 states are now participating in Wal-Mart's $4 generic prescription program.
  • 2.1 million more new prescriptions were filled in participating states between September 21 and November 12 compared to the same time period last year.
  • 331 generic prescriptions at a 30-day supply at commonly prescribed dosages are available under Wal-Mart's program.
  • This represents over 25% of prescriptions dispensed in Wal-Mart pharmacies nationwide.

Sources:

  • "Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said today that its 131 pharmacies in Pennsylvania will begin participating in the discount chain's $4 generic prescription program starting tomorrow." (The Philadelphia Inquirer, Nov. 27)
  • "Target Corp. also said last week that it was extending a $4 generic program to all its pharmacies." (The Philadelphia Inquirer, Nov. 27)
  • "And BJ's Wholesale Club announced last week that its BJ's Pharmacy locations in Pennsylvania will charge $4 for 30-day supplies of select generic medication prescriptions." (The Philadelphia Inquirer, Nov. 27)
  • Copyright (c) 2006, The Philadelphia Inquirer Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.