Cheap Prescription Drugs...for a while
Column originally published 11-30-06
A couple of years ago I walked into my pharmacy expecting to pick up a prescription for an antibiotic. I found out that the antibiotic wasn't in the insurance company's formulary chart and would require prior authorization. The pharmacist told me I could buy the pills out of my own pocket. How much? I don't recall the exact dollar amount the pharmacist said, but I do remember breaking out into a cold sweat and could hear muffled screaming coming from my wallet in my pocket.
Expensive prescription drugs are something that most everyone can relate to. Along comes Wal-Mart to save the day. This week, the retailing giant expanded its $4 generic prescription drug program to California. The retailer will offer a 30-day supply of a generic drug for $4. They offer 331 generic drugs and 14 of the top 20 prescribed medications in the country are on the list.
So now Fairfielders will be able to save money on those hefty prescription drug bills every month. Every little bit helps. And . . . oops. Hold on a second. Wal-Mart is closing the Fairfield store on Chadbourne Road. And whether we get a new Wal-Mart supercenter is up in the air so I guess we should enjoy these prices while we can.
The debate over whether we get a new Wal-Mart is too often centered on the negative: traffic, pollution, crime and plain old big-box hate. Those things are important to consider, but we also need to look at what we'd be adding to our community.
I've comparison shopped for groceries at a Wal-Mart Supercenter. And while our other local grocery stores probably don't want to hear it, I've saved as much as a third on groceries. Imagine being able to continue buying the same products you have now and cutting your bill by a third.
Other area grocery stores can be comforted by the fact that their sale prices are often lower than Wal-Mart's everyday price so cost-minded shoppers will continue patronizing other stores.
For Fairfielders to be able to cut their grocery bill and prescription drug bill in a one-stop shopping location is a big plus for those trying to make ends meet.
I've got to address something that I've addressed on my blog in the past. I've had people ask me if I have any connection to Wal-Mart. They see me championing bringing a supercenter to Fairfield and think I must have stock in the company or something.
Nope. I have no connection to Wal-Mart and have had my differences with them in the past. The answer is simple. I'm cheap and I like a good deal. Plus I see a dilapidated parcel of land that has been that way for years and there is an opportunity to put a giant retailer that will add tax revenue, jobs, and low prices to the community. This should be a no-brainer so it boggles the mind that Fairfield continues to show prospective businesses that they're better off choosing a neighboring community.
The $4 generic prescription drug plan isn't reason enough to approve a Wal-Mart supercenter. (OK, it is for me.) But this is another positive example of what we're getting with a new supercenter. It's important to remember that the traffic a few people complain about will be people adding tax revenue to the city, putting food on the table for their families and buying their prescription drugs.
The supercenter will add to the quality of life in Fairfield. And we need that.
So now Fairfielders will be able to save money on those hefty prescription drug bills every month. Every little bit helps. And . . . oops. Hold on a second. Wal-Mart is closing the Fairfield store on Chadbourne Road. And whether we get a new Wal-Mart supercenter is up in the air so I guess we should enjoy these prices while we can.
The debate over whether we get a new Wal-Mart is too often centered on the negative: traffic, pollution, crime and plain old big-box hate. Those things are important to consider, but we also need to look at what we'd be adding to our community.
I've comparison shopped for groceries at a Wal-Mart Supercenter. And while our other local grocery stores probably don't want to hear it, I've saved as much as a third on groceries. Imagine being able to continue buying the same products you have now and cutting your bill by a third.
Other area grocery stores can be comforted by the fact that their sale prices are often lower than Wal-Mart's everyday price so cost-minded shoppers will continue patronizing other stores.
For Fairfielders to be able to cut their grocery bill and prescription drug bill in a one-stop shopping location is a big plus for those trying to make ends meet.
I've got to address something that I've addressed on my blog in the past. I've had people ask me if I have any connection to Wal-Mart. They see me championing bringing a supercenter to Fairfield and think I must have stock in the company or something.
Nope. I have no connection to Wal-Mart and have had my differences with them in the past. The answer is simple. I'm cheap and I like a good deal. Plus I see a dilapidated parcel of land that has been that way for years and there is an opportunity to put a giant retailer that will add tax revenue, jobs, and low prices to the community. This should be a no-brainer so it boggles the mind that Fairfield continues to show prospective businesses that they're better off choosing a neighboring community.
The $4 generic prescription drug plan isn't reason enough to approve a Wal-Mart supercenter. (OK, it is for me.) But this is another positive example of what we're getting with a new supercenter. It's important to remember that the traffic a few people complain about will be people adding tax revenue to the city, putting food on the table for their families and buying their prescription drugs.
The supercenter will add to the quality of life in Fairfield. And we need that.
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