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Pyramid Hill lights up
Meijer to fill antibiotic prescriptions for free
Program will focus on generic medications commonly used by children and adults.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Meijer Inc., operator of 176 discount stores in Ohio and four other Midwestern states, on Monday announced a free prescription drug program to provide antibiotic medicines to customers.
Meijer President Mark Murray called the move "timely" in view of low-cost drug plans announced by rivals Wal-Mart and Target stores.
Extras
"We are committed to leading our industry in quality of products as well as convenience of the shopping experience," Murray said at a press conference at Southfield, Mich.
The Meijer drug giveaway, which starts immediately, will focus on generic antibiotics commonly used by children and adults.
The company said 70 percent of its pediatric prescriptions are for drugs in the giveaway program: amoxicillin, cephalexin, SMZ/TMP, ciprofloxacin, penicillin VK, ampicillin and erythromycin.
Any customer can take their prescription to any Meijer pharmacy and receive the designated antibiotic free. There are "no strings attached" to the deal, Murray said. "No club to join or membership forms or fees. It's just free."
He did not disclose how much Meijer expects the offer to cost. Antibiotics prescriptions typically retail at $10 to $40, a store spokesman said. The company said 94 percent of its customers have some form of insurance coverage, but still have drug-related co-pays.
Paula Sanders, professor of marketing at Wright State University, said Meijer's offer looks like the start of a price war with Wal-Mart and Target on prescription drugs, though their offers differ.
Dr. Herman Gray, a pediatrician and president of the Children's Hospital of Michigan, said Meijer's plan is "good news."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2222 or bkline@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Comments
By MOM OF 3
October 26, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this
To DavidTfull, I am very confused by your comment - Do you actually think that Meijer is handing out antiboitics to kids who come in asking. They are only filling what is prescribed by a doctor - I assume a doctor would know what is ok for Children!!!
What is disturbing is your lack of common sense.!!!!!
By Alan
October 25, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget and keep in mind that Sam’s Club wll also be involved in the $4.00 generics drug plan. I’m in Michigan and have heard it’s suppose to start on Thurs, Oct 26th now.
I think Sam’s Club is much better than Walmart even though they are owned by the same company. You don’t need a membership either to use their pharmacy and they offer the lowest cash prices or will beat the price of others. I happen to like that part. I think what Meijer’s is doing is also very good!
By Mrs. Y
October 25, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this
Walmart is constantly being sued or in the news for the things it is doing WRONG to its employees. Last week, I saw a story about how they are cutting hours for long term employees in an effort to either (1) force them to quit, thinking it was “their own idea” or (2) cut their hours in such a way that it will be hard to find another job to fill in the gap. Is that watching out for your employees???
By davidtfull
October 25, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this
What is the most disturbing about this story is the fact that Miejers is giving Ciprofloxacin to kids. Cipro IS NOT approved for use in the pediatric population due to severe and permanent side effects that could cripple the child for life. Additionally the FDA added new warnings regarding irreversible nerve damage as well as spontaneous tendon ruptures with Cipro. Several petitions have just been filed with the FDA seeking BLACK BOX warnings by Public Citizen and the Attorney General(Ill.)
By Barbie
October 25, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
I think giving away Rx drugs is a good thing. I think they should add other drugs besides antibiotics. There are many other chronic illnesses that should be considered, and this would help many more people. Some cardiac meds,for example, are very expensive, and some people cannot live without them. Perhaps a good starting point would be to take into consideration each person’s health history, and allow the meds they need the most. This would personalize the program.
By Paul
October 25, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
By Rick
October 25, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this
Dear Kandie Davis…MOVE to Canada LOL….The goverment heathcare system IS HORRIBLE…DO YOUR HOME WORK ABOUT THAT !!!
By J
October 25, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this
Will not shop at Meijer…the cashier’s are the rudest…they drop the change on the belt and don’t say thank you or hello…what has happened to customer service? I say they wanted the job, they took the job - now do the job…and do it with a smile and without a bad attitude…!
By J
October 25, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this
A documentary on Walmart on PBS explained how walmart goes into towns gets tax exemptions and money from the city to build their big box stores..then after 10 years when the taxes are due, they move to the next town - after they’ve run the little guys out of business leaving virtually ghost towns with big empty boxes that no one wants to buy or can use…they’ve done this throughout the west and it is unfortunate..boycott Walmart-they are also closing the store on 741 to move to centerville..
By dee
October 25, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this
I will shop meijers over wal-mart anytime when and where are the free prescriptions at meijer what store. walmart is rude not custermer friendly,
By Mom of 3
October 25, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this
Debi & all other Naive shoppers,
Soon you will have no choice on where to shop - Wal-mart will cause other store’s to close and there will be no competition. Do you think they will be the lowest price then. Because of their low prices business’s in America are losing jobs and closing. Debi - I hope when you lose your job to Wal-mart - you like saying “Would you like fries with that?”
By Rosie
October 25, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this
I don’t like shopping at a store that has higher prices, but sometimes there are things more important than money. The last time I went to Wal-Mart, the cashier was rude and shoved my receipt in my hand. When I said I wouldn’t be back, she said “Oh well, we have plenty of business.” I’m sick of rude employees who aren’t trained to even say THANK YOU! I’m done with Wally World and heading to Meijer. By the way Debi, is your last name “Walton”?
By Debi
October 25, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this
This is a great thing that Meijers is doing but what is their next move, they have never gave any free medicine before so why start now they are worried about WALMART. I will take advantage of the free medicine but that is all I will get from Meijers, I will not spend any money there I will continue to shop at WALMART because WALMART really truly has the LOWEST PRICES and remember all the bad news in the media towards WALMART is the UNION people talking all the BAD THINGS AGAINST WALMART
By Connita
October 25, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this
What a wonderful thing Meijer is doing. But I rarely take antibiotics, in fact I have 4 medications I should take for my diabetes. They come to over $400. a month. I have a crappy insurance that pays 20% of that. I don’t take my medication because I need to pay other bills too. I am paying more than a hundred dollars a month for this crappy insurance. It would be nice to see more stores helping the diabetics in the area, not just antibiotics.
By wendy shepherd
October 25, 2006 08:13 AM | Link to this
i think it is a good idea but i would be concerned that they are going to raise prices in other areas of the store to help offset the cost of the program.
By Kandie Davis
October 25, 2006 07:22 AM | Link to this
I think that this is great. I personally think no one should have to pay for any kind of medical treatment if they can not afford it. Our family is half tempted to move to Canada where healthcare is free. If a place like Canada can give free healthcare why cant the US provide it to us? The government is to greedy and they would rather spend thousands of dollars on plates of food and at their huge parties
By Senior Citizen
October 25, 2006 06:40 AM | Link to this
It’s a shame that there aren’t any Meijer stores in Florida!
By Nicole
October 25, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this
I think it’s awesome. With the flu and cold season now on us this will help out so many people. I have full insurance for my family, but you never know when you’re going to be sick…and if money is tight you know Meijers is a choice you have. Maybe this will set a standard for the competitors and lower income families can get the medicine they need without having to worry about how to pay for it. It is long overdue for these multimillion dollar companies to start giving back to the people.
By gary
October 24, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
Will Meijer bill the third parties for payment of antibiotics . With respect to parents with drug coverage for their kids, I have to believe this only applies to cash payors; in other words, will MEIJER bill the third party insurers or bill state Medicaid for reimbursement. Anyway, nice marketing strategy by Meijer. I’d get my prescriptions there if this applied to me.
By Melanie
October 24, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this
Good Job Meijer. I am a Walmart & Meijer shopper. I don’t purchase scripts from either. However, I think it is very good for business. And yes, Meijer is getting something out of it. They are in business to make money. So if offering free antibiotic scripts will get a person to come to meijer instead of Walmart then good for them.
By Shari
October 24, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this
Excellant idea…. While it’s true that antibiotics are over prescribed, in cases where they are truley needed for the well being of a patient this will be beneficial to all. I would hope the next step would be to offer the same of other drugs for high blood pressure, diabetes etc. By doing so this could only benefit the insurance companies in regards to cutting down on future illnesses for people.
By Kent Taylor Sr.
October 24, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this
It’s about time companies are starting to compete against each other as this is what America is all about unlike the oil companies who collaberate to find ways of raising their prices. I shop at Meijers and I shop at Wal-Mart and now I respect them both even more. They employ thousands of people who pay a lot of taxes and this is what makes this country the strongest country in the world.
By just me
October 24, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this
I think it’s a wonderful idea, especially this time of year. I agree with the writer who stated “this will help keep the passing of germs down.” As much as I love to shop at Wal-Mart, because they do have excellent prices on a lot of their items, the store is becoming a very nasty and dirty place to shop,and their services are not as good as they used to be. Regardless of what Meijer may be getting out of this, the point is, they are giving back to the community, and I praise God for that.
By mary
October 24, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this
I contacted Walmart and Target. They do not know if they will be matching Meijer’s antibiotic program. Also, FYI, the $4.00 drug program Walmart offers is not available in Ohio. The closes state is Indiana. I don’t believe scripts written out of state are honored.
By mary
October 24, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
I contacted Walmart and Target. They do not know if they will be matching Meijer’s antibiotic program. Also, FYI, the $4.00 drug program Walmart offers is not available in Ohio. The closes state is Indiana. I don’t believe scripts written out of state are honored.
By Pooh
October 24, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this
I am from Ohio living in Florida planning on returning to Ohio very soon. Wal-mart copied Meijer’s one stop shopping after Sam Walton saw the first Meijer super store. Wal-Mart is unfair to employee’s and quality of clothes has dropped to K-Mart quality. Hooray for Meijer’s they were the first type of super store and are still number one to me. Free drugs is just another first for Meijer and they can be proud it will pay off. HOORAY HOORAY HOORAY FOR MEIJER
By Al
October 24, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
It’s great that Meijer has decided to do this, but it’s important to bear in mind that this decision was catalyzed by The Evil Empire — Wal-Mart. Whatever you think of Wal-Mart, give it credit for helping to keep it’s competitors honest. When there’s competition, the public wins.
By lila
October 24, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
Tes i think it is great,but make it somthing more people can use
By jay
October 24, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this
yes. Meijer understands business and what the customer wants. I will start shopping at Meijer effective immediately. I hate Wal-Mart’s crap that they sell. Meijer can beat Wal-Mart at their own game and they know it. Hooray for Meijer.
By Mike
October 24, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this
Yes, Meijer is getting something out of this…there is an ulterior motive… It is called repeat customers. While there getting the free antibiotics, the people will probably drop a few bucks on groceries and other items (better quality than Wal-Fart) and, of course, their other prescriptions. Meijer truly is the total package. They seem to be more concerned with real money savings for their customers and the cleanliness of their stores than rapid expansion and global domination.
By Mary Ann
October 24, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this
Hooray for Meijers
I have already stopped shopping at Wal-mart because of their treatament of employees and have become a fan of Meijers. Thir stores are clean! Prices competative, while not the lowest…but this plan is wonderful.
My neice has MS and she has a UNION connected health plan and Walmart REFUSED to accept her insurance. Civic minded, people pleasers they are!
By Betty Drake
October 24, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this
I think it very kinded to give Antibotic free to people that have no medical and this help from spreading germs, This help a lot go head do the thing If you got do it.
By Carol Kimbrough
October 24, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this
I think this is great. I agree with the writer who stated that this could elevate cost to OUR elderly. I will continue to shop at meijers and maybe a little more now.
By fenwah
October 24, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this
That will save me $10 per antibiotic fill…my two kids probably get it twice a year…so it will save me $40. I’m sure while I’m at Meijer picking up my prescription, I will spend on average $50 or so on groceries, etc…so it’s a win win situation for both myself and Meijer.
I will never set foot into a Walmart…they are so filthy.
By Brenda Leach
October 24, 2006 08:27 AM | Link to this
This is the best thing that Meijer could do. This will help alot of people get the antibotics that they need that probably would not be able to get otherwise.
By dan
October 24, 2006 08:02 AM | Link to this
they must be getting something out of this !! why wait till now to do it?? if they werent getting anything out of this they would not do it !!!!
By Julie Davis
October 24, 2006 07:30 AM | Link to this
I think this is a great idea. With a lot of our seniors and families that do not have ample coverage they will still get the medication needed and be able to go to the grocery and feed their families. Hooray for Meijer. That makes me want to shop there more even if it is out of my way. Hopefully I will never need this service but I will shop there to help them out.
By Billie
October 24, 2006 07:09 AM | Link to this
With the FREE drugs be given thru the various programs now, why can’t drug companys just reduce the prices in general, so that we can afford what we need, not what they choose for us. Meijers is to be commended, even if this IS only in answer to compitition from Wal-Mart and K-Mart, and proves that drug prices do not have to be so outrageous to begin with.
By Brian
October 24, 2006 06:53 AM | Link to this
This is a great program from a public service standpoint,and Meijer should be commended for implementing it.However,antibiotics are the most overprescribed meds today and this has resulted in many drug resistant strains.Remember,folks-most upper respiratory infections are viral,not bacterial.They won’t/don’t respond to antibiotics.Flu vaccine is the only helpful measure here.Fluids/rest and other pall- iative therapy is all that can be done-so don’t harrass your Dr. into giving you pills.
By angel
October 24, 2006 05:39 AM | Link to this
I think it’s ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL that Meijer is doing this!!!!! I just hope it ends up being meds that will be useful to alot of people, and not just for some. The program would be most useful to people who have high blood pressure and diabetes. Maybe at some point, they will consider doing those as well. For now, it’s a great start for our community. KUDOS to Meijer!
By Ken
October 24, 2006 04:49 AM | Link to this
Yes I do. But whats even worse is that if you have Health insurance thru Walmart. You cant fill a prescription with them. You have to fill it elsewhere, ie Meijer, Target, CVS and so on. NOW thats a story that the DDN should look into…