In Michigan, Walmart tests $10 offer for 90-day generic drugs, mailed free

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Walmart expanded its pioneering generic drug discount program — a game-changer in the competition for the nation’s price-driven prescription business when it was announced in fall 2006 — with a new pilot program in Michigan that includes free mail delivery of 90-day supplies of me-too medications.

Beginning Tuesday, consumers in the state can call 1-800-2REFILL to order a 90-day supply of 300 generic prescriptions, each for $10 via free mail delivery. No membership or enrollment fees are required, the company said.

By extending its generic discount offer to consumers in Michigan who don’t live within easy reach of a Walmart pharmacy, the company is adding a new and potentially potent ingredient to an already hugely successful promotion.

“When we launched our $4 prescription program in 2006, it truly changed the pharmacy landscape,” asserted Dr. John Agwunobi, Walmart's president of the health and wellness division. “So we asked ourselves 'what more can we do?' and vowed to continue looking for opportunities that would bring greater value and convenience to consumers.”

Agwunobi called the $10 mail delivery prescription offer “a reflection of Walmart's commitment to drive unnecessary costs out of the health care system.”

In addition to the generic medicines offered at $10, Walmart is also offering Michigan consumers free mail delivery of more than 3,000 other brand and generic prescriptions.

If Walmart maintains the strategy it followed with its rapid rollout of the initial $4 promotion for 30-day supplies of generic drugs in 2006, the expansion of the Michigan pilot project to other states could come relatively quickly.