Wal-Mart's $4 Generic Prescription Drug Program Expands to Wisconsin

Wal-Mart's expansion of its $4 generic prescription drug program to 83 Wisconsin pharmacies marks a significant shift in the state's retail pharmacy landscape. Starting Tuesday, the company's pharmacies will offer a wide range of generic prescriptions at a discounted price, following the company's huge purchasing power. However, not all pharmacies will match this price, as seen with Walgreen Co., the largest pharmacy chain in the Madison area.

Key Takeaways:

• Wal-Mart's 83 Wisconsin pharmacies will offer 331 generic drugs at $4 for up to a 30-day supply, effective Tuesday.
• The company's huge purchasing power allows it to buy drugs at very low prices, making it a competitive advantage.
• Walgreen Co., the largest pharmacy chain in the Madison area, will not match Wal-Mart's discounts, citing a better value for customers.
• The Wisconsin Unfair Sales Act, which prohibits sales below cost, has an exception that allows other retailers to match Wal-Mart's prices.
• Target Corp. has also expanded its own $4 generic prescription drug program to all Target pharmacies nationwide, but it's unclear whether more drugs will be added to the list in Wisconsin.
• The program already represents more than 25 percent of prescriptions currently dispensed in Wal-Mart pharmacies nationwide.

Statistics:

• 83: The number of Wal-Mart pharmacies in Wisconsin that will offer the $4 generic prescription drug program.
• 331: The number of generic drugs available at $4 for up to a 30-day supply.
• 3,810: The total number of Wal-Mart pharmacies in 49 states.
• 25 percent: The percentage of prescriptions currently dispensed in Wal-Mart pharmacies nationwide that are represented by the $4 generic prescription drug program.
• 95 percent: The percentage of Walgreens pharmacy patients who have prescription insurance.

Sources:

• Anita Weier, "Wal-Mart's 4 generic meds plan," The Capital Times, no date provided.