Publix’s free prescription program has ended. So what can customers do now?
A pharmacy program at Publix that has filled more than 100 million prescriptions at no cost to customers since its launch in 2007 officially ended Wednesday.
For 15 years, the Lakeland-based supermarket giant offered select generic drugs for free at its 1,200 pharmacies. In March, Publix announced that the program would end on June 1.
“While we are no longer offering medications for free, many will still be available at Publix Pharmacy at little to no out-of-pocket cost with most insurance plans,” the chain said in a flier sent to its customers, West Orlando News reported.
Among the oral antibiotic and blood pressure and diabetes medications dispensed at no cost were 14-day supplies amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephalexin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin, penicillin, as well as 30-day supplies of metformin and lisinopril.
“Publix debuted our free prescription program in 2007, and to date we have dispensed well over 100 million free prescriptions. We consistently evaluate our programs and services to ensure they are meeting the intended purpose and evolve over time. Medications offered through our program are typically covered through insurance plans,” said Publix spokeswoman Lindsey Willis, who also confirmed the free prescription program has ended as of Wednesday.
Maintenance medications, including metformin, lisinopril and amlodipine will be eligible for $7.50 for a 90-day supply and amoxicillin will be $7.50 for a 14-day supply, Willis added.
COVID vaccines, such as Moderna, are still offered at no cost at Publix pharmacies as of June.
Publix customers with insurance may also be covered at no, or low, cost.
What others are offering
Winn-Dixie pharmacy customers in South Florida also have low price offerings on select generic prescriptions that can go as low as $4 for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply. These include lisinopril, glipizide, furosemide, trazodone and estradiol, among others.
For the generics list visit www.winndixie.com/pharmacy/generics-list.
Also, through July 12, as part of a summer travel promo, Winn-Dixie in-store pharmacies are offering $20 in free groceries via coupon when patients receive two vaccines in the same visit. These include more than 15 vaccine options such as COVID-19, flu, shingles, pneumonia and tetanus/diptheria.
Most people can tolerate two of these vaccines at the same time. For instance, health experts say it is now OK to get your COVID vaccine or booster on the same day you get your flu shot, for example. But for peace of mind ask your health care provider or a pharmacist what would best in your situation.
A Winn-Dixie or Fresco y Más rewards account is required. Visit www.frescoymas.com or www.winndixie.com to sign up or manage an account.
For more information, visit the pharmacy page at www.winndixie.com./pharmacy/vaccines.
Walmart was offering some of these meds — metformin and lisinopril — for $4 for a 30-day supply, according to an online flier. Some diabetes medications, like glipizide, are also $4. Cholesterol drugs such as fenofibrate and simvastatin can be had for $9 for a 30-day supply, according to the company.
Walgreens Pharmacy savings club members can also sign up for low cost options on many prescription medications.
CVS Pharmacy has a tool for its pharmacy members to access some low cost meds using a combination of either insurance, coupons or lower cost options.
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This story was originally published June 1, 2022 at 2:23 PM.
