Generic Prescription Drug Programs List

One of the best ways to save money on prescription medications is to use generics. What are generics? Generics are identical medications to their brand-name counterparts, but are available at a much lower cost. How can they sell them for less? Generic drug manufacturers do not have to spend the millions of dollars proving the safety and efficacy of the medication - because the brand name manufacturer has already done this! Generic manufacturers only have to prove their product is equivalent to the brand name medication. Generics can be manufactured once the brand name medication patent has expired. Not every medication has a generic. But once a generic CAN be made, any generic manufacturer (and there are many!) may create a generic equivalent.

Because of the competition between generic manufacturers, pharmacies can often negotiate for very competitive prices for generic medication. A large pharmacy chain agrees to buy a certain generic from 1 generic manufacturer, and in exchange for this purchase, the manufacturer offers the pharmacy chain a substantial discount. This negotiating power for very low generic prices has led several pharmacy chains to offer GREAT generic programs. Below is a summary of several of the most popular and cost-effective generic drug programs.

The Wal-Mart program offers a 30 day supply (based on usual dosing) of hundreds of generics for $4.00 or a 90 day supply of the same generics for $10.00! This is a great savings! Several generics such a generic Fosamax and some generic birth control pills are available at $9.00 for 30 days or $24.00 for 90 days.

Here is the link to all the available drugs: WalMart $4.00/$10.00 Program

Target has basically copied Walmart's program exactly. They have a virtually identical list of generics. So if Target is more convenient than Walmart...you can get the same deal from them!

Here is the link: Target $4.00 and $10.00 Generic Program

The Rite Aid program offers a 30 day supply for certain generics for $9.99 or a 90 day supply for $15.99. You have to apply for a "savings card" for this program, but there is no cost to obtain the card. This program is good, but if you live near a WalMart or Target it seems their programs are better.

Here is the link to Rite Aid's Generic Drug Program

Walgreens offers a list of generic drugs which are $12.00 for 90 days. BUT you have to PAY to enroll in their program! Currently the price $20.00 per year or $35.00 for a family. This program is good if you do not have access to a Wal-Mart or Target, but otherwise I wouldn't recommend paying to get these prices.

Here is their list of generics: Walgreens Generic Prescription drug Program

 Hannaford, a supermarket chain, has also jumped on the generic savings bandwagon.  They offer a list of over 450 generics at $4.00 per month or $10.99 for 90 days.  This requires enrollment in their "Healthy Saver" rx program, for which they claim to charge a "nominal fee" at checkout.  Apparently this enrollment also allows for savings on other healthcare needs like diabetic supplies and flu shots.

Here is the link to their program:  Hannaford Generic Drug Program

Stop & Shop is another popular grocery chain. They offer a price of $9.99 for a 90 days supply on a list of about 350 generic medications. As with all these programs, the "90 days" assumes normal dosing (if you take more than the usual daily doses...you will pay more).

Here is the Stop & Shop Generic Drug Program List

 Well, I have given some insight into and links to the most popular generic programs available from some of the largest pharmacy retailers.  For more tips and tricks on saving money on prescriptions, be sure to read my article on Tips to Save Thousands on Prescription Drugs.