Wal-Mart Extends Prescription Program

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's biggest retailer, said Thursday it is extending its $4 generic prescription drug plan to Mississippi and 11 other states, bringing to total to 27 states.

The move brings 1,008 more stores under the program, under which Wal-Mart charges $4 for a one-month supply of 314 different prescriptions. That number includes 143 drugs in a variety of dosages and solid or liquid forms.

Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart rolled out the program in Florida three weeks ago and last week added 14 states to the list. The low-priced drugs are now available in 2,507 Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Neighborhood Market stores.

The company said in a news release that it accelerated the launch of the low-priced prescriptions because of customer demand.

Analysts say the program will help Wal-Mart by bringing in more customers who will shop in other store departments, and extend its reach in another segment of the retailing industry, the drug store business.

Walgreens, a competitor, released a statement Thursday that it will continue meeting patient expectations for a convenient pharmacy by providing the most service for their health care dollars.

In a news release, Walgreens said, "Wal-Mart's limited price promotion is in response to the increasing number of seniors choosing Walgreens for their pharmacy needs. Therefore, Walgreens will not match Wal-Mart's promotion. Once consumers learn the fine print of Wal-Mart's program, they'll realize Walgreens offers the best value for pharmacy patients with its convenient locations, close-in parking and unique pharmacy services."

K-Mart, which also has pharmacies within its stores also released a statement.

"While Wal-Mart’s program appears to be a cost-saver at first glance, Kmart’s 90-day program is a better value and time saver for customers, allowing them to return to the store every three months instead of every 30 days to refill their prescriptions,” said Mark Doerr, vice president, Kmart Pharmacy. “The $15 cost spread over three-months ultimately means that customers are paying $5 a month for refills, but saving money on gas and valuable time associated with frequent trips to the pharmacy.”