The Dirty Truth: Spread the Word, not the Germ

Walmart to lower prices on generics
Posted by Liz at 09/21/06 03:58 PM

This move by Walmart shows that there is a great need in the U.S. market for low-cost, effective medications. Many people go without the drugs they need simply because they can't afford them, and their health can suffer.

Now let's look at the bigger picture--California just passed a bill that would require drug companies to bring their prices down, or risk being shut out of the state's Medicaid market. This new program will give discounts to an estimated 5-6 million Californians on their medications. Congress can follow in California's lead and pass legislation that would allow Medicare to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices in the Part D program. Right now, this legislation is stalled in Congress.

If more and more states follow the lead of California--Congress may have no choice but to finally take action and do something about the high cost of prescription drugs.

comments (6)

Comments

 1 Posted by Beth at 10/31/06 11:10 AM

Seems like Walmart is just trying to boost their image. I can really appreciate a $4 prescription fee, but it leaves a bad taste for me when it involves such a socially irresponsible company. Hopefully California will continue to be the trend setter it is and we can have a broader reach for all the drug companies to set their medications at fair prices.

2 Posted by Ron Christopher at 11/01/06 02:45 PM

It is time for the people of this country, especialy seniors to put pressure on their legislators, to make sure that the government lets the drug companies know the time for huge drug profits has to end now.

Drug companies should have to prove the of research and development cost of a drug, and when they make a given profit after that the drug should become generic.

3 Posted by romona d wilcoxson at 11/02/06 07:23 AM

The most recent companies move to allow for affordable generic medicines is long over due. Shame on the companies that have watched people suffer simply because they choose to eat rather than purchase medicines.

4 Posted by A.C.Schultz at 11/02/06 04:31 PM

When you let the foxes run the chicken coop, you can't claim surprise when they eat the chickens. That is how the administration wrote the Medicare Part D legislation. It had the drug companies do it. So, no surprise when the donut hole is right in the cost level of those with cronic illness. No surprise when the law forbids Mddicare from negotiating prices. Let's just hope that after next Tuesday those who represent the people will be writing the amendment to the bill.

5 Posted by Al Brownng at 11/02/06 09:36 PM

Without spending any significant taxpayer money at all, the Federal government could provide MediCare participants with a tremendous drug benefit. Simply make the same Rx pharmacopia that is available through Federal employee benefit plans and the VA, available to Medicare participants. The prescriptions could be filled by any participating pharmacy that agreed to accept the MediCare wholesale/retail price structure they now accept for Federal employees. MediCare Supplement providors covering Rx would happily participate in such a program. National and regional pharmaceutical houses would happily fill the prescriptions of MediCare participants at the Federally mandated retail price if they could purchase these drugs through the Federal system. Seniors without a drug plan would still enjoy a much lower price than they can get now.

6 Posted by jessica cramer at 05/25/07 09:14 AM

i am so happy that we now have a Wal-Mart in our city.

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