Capitalizing on the increased sales and favorable PR its generic drug discount program has generated, Wal-Mart says it's expanding the Florida-only program to 14 more states effective immediately.
Under the plan, the retail giant is offering more than 300 generic prescriptions for $4 for a 30 day supply.
The latest expansion means the discounts will no be available at 1,264 stores in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas and Vermont.
"Since we began the program in September, it has made a real difference in the health of our customers and our communities, President and CEO Lee Scott said.
The program was launched in 235 Florida pharmacies on October 6, 2006. Wal-Mart originally planned to expand it into as many states as possible beginning in 2007, but customer demand led the company to accelerate the launch.
The $4 generics program includes 314 generic prescriptions available for up to a 30-day supply at commonly prescribed dosages.
The list of 314 generic prescriptions is made up of as many as 143 compounds in 24 therapeutic categories. Wal-Mart estimates that the list of $4 prescription medications represents nearly 25 percent of prescriptions that it currently dispenses in its pharmacies nationwide.
