Walmart has introduced a new program to increase access to prescription medications for those who are uninsured or under-insured. Seniors can now join Walmart+ with a paid membership to receive a selection of free medications, plus thousands of other prescription drugs at a discount of up to 85%.
Money Talk News’ recent article entitled “New Walmart+ Perk Can Save You Up to 85% on Drugs” explains that the prescription savings program — Walmart+ Rx for less — can save you money on “the most commonly prescribed medications across a variety of health needs, including heart health, mental health, antibiotics, allergies and diabetes management,” Walmart says.
Walmart says that free and discounted prescriptions are available at over 4,000 participating Walmart pharmacies around the country. However, they caution that the program isn’t insurance and isn’t available in all states.
Walmart+ Rx for less can’t be combined with insurance.
Seniors can sign up for a free trial. When it ends, as a Walmart+ member they can access their digital pharmacy savings card in their Walmart+ account on the Walmart website or app.
Next time a senior needs a prescription filled they can share the info on their digital pharmacy savings card with the pharmacist.
The new program is not the first time the nation’s largest retailer has tried to cut prescription drug costs.
Since 2006, Walmart has offered a $4 generics program that charges $4 for a 30-day supply of many generic drugs, or $10 for a 90-day supply. That program is still available to all Walmart shoppers, even those who are not Walmart+ members.
Walmart+ Rx for less is the latest perk added to the Walmart+ program
In December, the program rolled out free next-day and two-day shipping for members with no minimum purchase requirement, similar to Amazon’s Prime membership.
In a press release, Janey Whiteside, executive vice president and chief customer officer for Walmart U.S., says the newest perks are part of an effort to make Walmart+ the “ultimate life hack” for customers:
“We know we can use our size and scale to help simplify things for our customers in a way only we can.”
Walmart ranks fifth in the top U.S. pharmacies ranked by prescription drugs market share in 2020 at 4.7%. CVS is first at 24.8%, and Walgreens is second at 19.1%.
Reference: Money Talk News (June 14, 2021) “New Walmart+ Perk Can Save You Up to 85% on Drugs”
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