I agree that this is a good move by WM that will hopefully be followed by their competitors. It is also a reaosn that we, as socially conscious consumers must keep up the pressure for WM, CVS, Walgreens and others to keep their prices low.

I saw an add in the local (Detroit) papers talking about free generic drugs (w/ Prescription) at a local chain pharmacy. I wonder if this is in response to WM?

It is interesting to see that the Starbucks taking care of their own people with healthcare article garners a more positive impact then Walmart “rolling back” prices on generic meds. The price reduction impacts a larger base, potentially everybody in the nation. It is understood that somebody needs to live near a store and be in need of those specific meds that the price reduction is being offered to take advantage of this.

The fundamental question lies is who is responsible for health care in America? Starbucks is taking the responsibility to look out for its employees and Walmart feels that it is the responsibility of the individual. What is surprising is that Walmart is also trying to make it more affordable for everybody and while Starbucks is only using their healthcare as leverage here in the US to have a low rate of attrition and be considered a Top-100 desirable companies to be employed. Does Starbucks pass this healthcare coverage to the farmers or non-US based employees?

I would say that Walmart deserves more kudos then Starbucks.

Other retailers have already rolled back prices on generics, in direct response to Wal-Mart’s move. There’s no questioning the impact of this; in discount retailing, Wal-Mart has the power to set the agenda. The move probably functions as a loss leader of sorts for the company—you’ll get people in for their prescriptions, which you might not make much on, but they’ll probably do a lot of their shopping in the store while they’re at it.

But (and call me cynical if you like) I can’t help but think that this move is going to be used as a part of the company’s “employee health plan.” And in Wal-Mart’s defense, taking care of the health of the country’s citizens shouldn’t be their responsibility. The fact that this move was made is yet another indication that people are being failed by the health care system.

My family feels the impact of this one. Definitely a positive. My mother has discovered that alot of her very expensive medicines have great generic alternatives that walmart is selling for $4 or so each. This adds up to so much savings for her. She would not be able to afford all of her medicine without it.

With all of the recent news articles..well, not THAT recent, about people having to go to Canada and Mexico to get prescription drugs, because they were too expensive here, I think this move by Wal Mart is fantastic! I still cant get the images of some 85 year old lady having to travel out of country to get drugs she needs to see, or for pain management. Some may think its a ploy to draw more people to their stores…but so what? This is no gimick, this is no “limited quantity availble” shenanigans, this is a HUGE retailer offering, for lack of a better term, a Better life to people who are sick and in pain. BTW, no, I dont work for wally world, both of my folks have cancer, and all I hear about are how expensive the drugs are, and while I know most cancer treating drugs are not available at Wal Mart, some day they may be, and hopefully for only $4!

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Thanks for doin’ the right thing… spreading good news on do-gooders doin’ good! :0)

~Lauren