As national retailers move to corner the market on cheap generic prescription drugs, the National Community Pharmacists Association is warning of “bait and switch” tactics.
Wal-Mart on Thursday said it is expanding its $4 generic drug program to Maryland and 11 other states, bringing to 27 thenumber of states where the program is offered.
More than 1,000 stores now are offering the $4 price for a one-month supply of 314 different prescriptions.
On Wednesday, New York-based Wegmans Food Markets Inc. said it would compete with Wal-Mart?s program, offering a 90-day supply of almost 200 drugs for $11.99.
“We have been discussing a program like this now for about four months. There?s no denying we sped up our program following the announcement by Wal-Mart,” Wegmans spokeswoman Jo Natale said.
Robert Appel, senior vice president of communications for the National Community Pharmacists Association, pointed out that Wal-Mart?s offer represents about 1 percent of the generic drugs available in the United States.
“We frankly see it as a bait-and-switch tactic, which is not atypical for Wal-Mart,” Appel said. “Our question is what will Wal-Mart charge for the other 99 percent of the medications that people need.”
He also warned consumers not to “cherry-pick prices.”
