“Retail giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said today it will begin selling nearly 300 generic prescription drugs for just $4 for up to a 30-day supply, for both the insured and uninsured.

The test program will begin Friday in Tampa and expand by January to the rest of the Florida, which includes a growing market of Baby Boomers and retirees who benefit from the new Medicare drug benefit for the elderly and disabled. The company will then aim to take the program nationally, serving customers, employees and the nation’s burgeoning population of uninsured Americans.

The company said it plans to take the program to as many states as possible next year in what will reduce drug costs for people with health insurance to $4 from between $10 and $30 for a 30-day prescription.

While the move is considered good for consumers, it was also believed to be an effort by Wal-Mart to improve its public image as a company. It has been criticized for the level of benefits, particularly health insurance, it provides to workers.”
Full story ChicagoTribune, By Bruce Japsen, September 21, 2006, 11:17 AM CDT

See also Wal-Mart cuts generic drug prices in Florida, Reuters Sept 21, 2006.

Wal-Mart to Offer $4 Generic Prescriptions, New York Times (registration necessary, free)
Wal-Mart Tests Lower Drug Prices, Houston Chronicle, Sept. 21, 2006, By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO AP Business Writer