Wal-Mart to Offer $4 Generic Prescriptions

[Herman Munster]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/21/business/21cnd-walmart.html?hp&ex=1158897600&en=c3f0120cca88b7df&ei=5094&partner=homepage

Wal-Mart, the nation’s largest retailer, said it would begin selling generic versions of widely prescribed drugs to its workers and customers at sharply reduced prices, a move that could force rival pharmacies to do the same.

The giant discount chain, which has used its size to knock down the costs of toys, clothing and groceries, will sell 300 generic drugs for as low as $4 for a one-month supply. On average, generic drugs cost between $10 and $30 for a 30-day prescription.

Wal-Mart will test the lower prices at 65 stores in the Tampa, Fla., area and, depending on consumer response, is likely to expand the program next year.

The drugs covered by the program treat common conditions like allergies, cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. In some cases, the company said, customers could save more than 60 percent over typical generic drug costs. The lower prices will be available to the insured and the uninsured.

[ewoden]

1. Now this is the horns of a dilema

On one side, everybody can get behind cheaper meds.

On the other hand, most small time pharmacies are not the cause of high prices. Most just get by and this WalMart volume discount will crush their business.

In the end I would expect that the WalMart ploy will drive those little guys under, and when gone the Big Box will end the "experiment".

net effect, hostage customers to WalMart.

[China_cat]

3. I would be very wary of this.

At one point I had 2 diabetics using 2 different kinds of insulin living in this house. With no insurance and little money. So, with dr. approval, we started buying the WalMart equivalent of their insulins and it was a DISASTER. Didn't take long to know we had to go back to using the 'good' stuff. There's no way that generic was even close to an equivalent of either the N or L that was needed.

I wouldn't trust what comes out of their pharmacies no matter how low the cost.

[Davis_X_Machina]

2. This is a straw in the wind...

...and a signal that comprehensive national health care cannot be stopped.

Walmart is throwing a baby off the sled to the universal coverage wolves.

How many babies are there? How many wolves?

[vanboggie]

4. Chinese drugs?

Gee, and they said Canada's were not safe. :-)