NEW YORK -- A number of programs are competing with Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s $4 generics offering. Among the more distinctive are Meijer Inc.'s generic antibiotics giveaway and Kmart's $15 three-month prescriptions.
Grand Rapids, Mich.-based supercenter retailer Meijer dispensed more than 1 million free prescriptions during the first year of its free antibiotics program. 'When we launched this innovative program, our goal was to help families here in the Midwest as they continue to deal with rising health care costs,' cochairman Hank Meijer said in the fall. 'The Meijer free antibiotics program has been hugely successful, and we are so proud this program has made such a positive impact on our customers.'
Meijer customers throughout the chain's five-state region were quick to take advantage of the program. The retailer filled nearly 200,000 free prescriptions in metropolitan Detroit alone, and more than 150,000 prescriptions in Grand Rapids. Stores in Ohio and northern Kentucky accounted for 200,000 free prescriptions, and Indiana stores filled more than 150,000.
Meijer launched the initiative in October 2006. The program covers leading oral generic antibiotics, with a special focus on the prescriptions most often filled for children. The program includes at least one antibiotic from each of the major antibiotic classifications and more than 70% of the genetic pediatric antibiotic prescriptions filled by Meijer. Among them are amoxicillin, cephalexin, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin and erythromycin.
The no-strings-attached program means that any customer, regardless of insurance or co-payment, can take her prescription to any Meijer pharmacy and receive the designated antibiotic free of charge. There is no card required, no membership to purchase, no minimum charges, no special forms to fill out and no fees to pay. Meijer studies show that 94% of its customers have some form of insurance coverage; however, they still have drug-related co-pays.
'Reaching this milestone in less than 12 months validates that this program is something that truly benefits our customers,' said Hank Meijer. 'Based on this response, as well as the momentum built through the year, I would be surprised if we didn't hit the 2 million milestone by late spring 2008.'
'We are especially proud that we could impact so many families in the states we do business,' said cohairman Doug Meijer. 'Meijer customers in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, northern Kentucky and northern Illinois now fully understand we are dedicated to helping improve their lives, and we are glad to be able to continue this important program as part of our commitment to our communities.'
Kmart, for its part, last year expanded its $15 90-day generics program to include more than 300 medications. The initiative began in May 2006 in all of the more than 1,100 Kmart pharmacies nationwide.
The expansion added 70 generic medications, including 17 different formulations of popular prenatal vitamins, a larger selection than other programs.
The program also offers sertraline (used to treat depression) and simvastatin (used to treat high cholesterol), which were the fifth and tenth most prescribed brand medications in 2005 before both became available as genetics in 2006.
'At Kmart Pharmacy we strive to provide health care solutions that improve our customers' quality of life at an exceptional value,' said vice president Mark Doerr last year. 'Our exclusive 90-day generics program, which offers a lower out-of-pocket cost than most mail-order prescription coverage, also encourages better patient care through personal pharmacist interaction.'
Also, Publix Super Markets Inc. announced last month that it had filled its millionth antibiotic through its free prescription program and had added doxycycline hyclate capsules to the program.
Publix' program was launched in August to cover amoxicillin, cephalexin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin (excluding ciprofioxacin XR), penicillin VK, ampicillin and erythromycin (excluding Ery-Tab).
'Filling our millionth prescription under our free prescription drug program is a milestone we're proud to accomplish,' says a company spokeswoman. 'Our customers and the medical community have been very pleased with the program.
'Adding doxycycline hyclate capsules to the program will help meet the health and wellness needs of even more of our customers and associates.'
Customers provide their Publix pharmacist with their prescription, up to a 14-day supply, and it will be filled at no charge. The number of prescriptions customers may fill for free is not limited. The free antibiotics are offered to customers regardless of their insurance provider.
And Martin's Super Markets Pharmacies began giving away the same eight generic oral antibiotics as Publix. Customers may receive up to a 21-day supply at normal dosages.
The Martin's Advantage Card--which can he obtained immediately and at no charge at the pharmacy counter or at any customer service desk--activates the free offer.
There is no limit on the number of qualifying prescriptions a customer may fill at no charge, and both insured and uninsured patients may take advantage of this program. The eight qualifying antibiotics represent nearly half of the generic pediatric prescriptions filled at pharmacies.
