Economics

More Cheap Drugs

|

According to the AP, Wal-Mart is to widen the number of drugs covered by its $4 prescription program.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is expanding its national $4 generic prescription drug program by about 10 percent, adding drugs for some new conditions.

The world's largest retailer said Thursday it has added drugs covering glaucoma, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, fungal infections and acne.

Two prescription birth control drugs and one fertility drug were added at $9, reflecting a higher cost that the company said could not be brought down further.

Wal-Mart's aggressive pricing has provoked a mini price war, with competitors like Kmart and Target also using $4 prescription drugs as loss-leaders. In August, Florida-based supermarket chain Publix announced that they would give away seven popular antibiotics for free.

More on Wal-Mart's "innovative" new health insurance policies for its own employees here.