Potential Savings From Greater Use of $4 Generic Drugs

Discounted generic medication programs ($4 per 30-day-supply or $10 per 90-day-supply) are available at pharmacies of many retail stores, such as Wal-Mart and Target.1, 2 While most prescription drug coverage requires patients to pay $10–$11 per 30-day supply for generics and $25–$27 for preferred branded drugs between 2006 and 2009,3 anyone regardless of insurance pays only $4 for qualifying generics through these programs. Use of $4 programs could potentially save patients and society billions of dollars. Our study is the first to evaluate who may be using $4 programs and potential national savings from broad use of these programs.