TAMPA BAY, Fla. -- Florida, the state where Wal-Mart Stores introduced its $4 generic drug program, has been one of the big winners among states that have reaped savings from the initiative, according to figures provided by the retailer.
As of October 31 the Sunshine State garnered nearly $50 million in savings. Although impressive, that figure pales in comparison to the $90.3 million the discounter notes was saved in Texas.
Among the first to praise Wal-Mart for the program was Jeb Bush, who was governor of Florida when the program got off the ground in September 2006 in Tampa Bay.
'The act of good citizenship will help consumers manage health care costs while benefiting Florida's growing population,' he said at the program's inception.
'In addition to providing a great service, Wal-Mart is encouraging important conversations between patients and their doctors about the cost savings associated with generic prescriptions. I am pleased WalMart chose Florida to launch this initiative.'
