Hy-Vee announces new $4 generic drug program
DES MOINES, Iowa Hy-Vee officials announced today that a new generic prescription drug program will begin Jan. 15 in all of their supermarkets and drug stores.
The program, a first for the chain, offers a 30-day supply of 400 generic drugs at a cost of $4 per prescription. The medicines on the list include antibiotics and drugs that treat such aliments as allergies, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, cholesterol and digestive issues.
Lists of the generic medicines included in the program will be available at every pharmacy counter and online at www.hy-vee.com beginning Jan. 15. The program is available to all customers, regardless of insurance status or copays. “We embark on this program in the spirit of exceptional value and helpful service. Those are our trademarks,” said Hy-Vee chief executive officer Ric Jurgens. “But we also do it out of a deep commitment to helping customers live easier, healthier, happier lives.”
As important as helping customers and benefit groups save money with the generics, the company said, was the education and patient counseling provided by Hy-Vee pharmacists when it comes to medication management and related wellness issues. “The landscape of medicine in regard to drug therapy is changing,” said Bob Egeland, assistant vice president of pharmacy. “Pharmacists are exceptionally trained to help customers understand generic drugs. But at Hy-Vee, it’s not just about filling a prescription. We have an entire team of friendly, approachable health care professionals with the knowledge and expertise to assist customers in all of their health care needs.”
In that spirit, Hy-Vee has focused, in recent years, on programs and events that promote healthy lifestyles. In addition to adding pharmacies to its stores, the company’s HealthMarkets offer an array of private label, natural and organic products; registered dietitians at more than 100 locations help customers address all of their health and wellness needs; and classes and events held in Hy-Vee Club rooms cover a variety of topics such as disease management, diet, exercise and healthy cooking.
Hy-Vee operates 222 retail stores in seven Midwestern states. For 2007 the company recorded total sales of $5.6 billion, ranking it among the top 20 supermarket chains and the top 40 private companies in the United States.