Wal-Mart Expands Its Discount Generic Drug Program

Yesterday, Wal-Mart announced that they were expanding their discount prescription drug program to include more drugs; to include more women's' drugs and, to include a higher discount for longer term prescriptions. They are offering ten dollar prescription costs for 90 day supplies. It should be noted that the Wal-Mart's prescription drug program applies to generic-brand medications.

The question that the consumer has to ask is "What is the catch?" Is Wal-Mart getting the drugs from the Outer Mongolian seal herds? Or, perhaps, they have found a way to mix detergent with baby aspirin. No, it is legitimate. Wal-Mart is saving millions in drug costs to the public. In fact, they have saved one billion dollars in drug costs.

So, why isn't there a louder applause for this effort? Why isn't every periodical and newspaper writing about this uplifting national effort? The reason is that Wal-Mart, in many people's view is doing this on the back's of their employees; that they not only maintain cut-rate costs, but, offer this type of prescription program by not paying people what they are worth for the work they do for them; they take a lot of heat primarily because they are known as a discount store.

Having said all of that, there are companies in our country who pay their employees great and treat the country with ill-will. (How much have you paid for gas this week). It doesn't mean a thing if a company has a few well-heeled executives and then sells overpriced goods and takes no social responsibility. We already have our fair share of companies with this mentality.

It is difficult to reprimand Wal-Mart for what they pay employees as long as they are trying to help the consumer, and they are; the prescription program has been a big help.

Reference:

newsday.com