Wal-Mart expands generic prescription drug discount program

In related news, Giant Eagle and Meijer on Wednesday announced programs under which they will provide customers at some company pharmacies with generic versions of seven antibiotics at no cost, the Columbus Dispatch reports. The Giant Eagle program also will provide customers with generic versions of four cold medications at no cost. Customers will qualify for the programs regardless of their health insurance status (Turner, Columbus Dispatch, 10/25). The Giant Eagle program will include 15 company pharmacies in Columbus, Ohio, and two in Toledo, Ohio (Lindeman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 10/26). The Meijer program will include all company pharmacies in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan (Columbus Dispatch, 10/25). Dan Donovan, a spokesperson for Giant Eagle, said, "Should this prove successful, we would look into expanding it into other markets" (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 10/26). Meijer President Mark Murray said that Wal-Mart has raised this issue of prices for generic medications "to a new level for all retailers," adding that "all of us are looking at our own situations" (Columbus Dispatch, 10/25).

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