Hy-Vee Adds 90-Day Supply to Generic Drug Program

    DES MOINES, Iowa, July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Hy-Vee officials announced
 today that it will expand its generic drug program to include a 90-day
 supply of medicine for $10. The program begins immediately at all of the
 company's supermarket prescription departments and drugstores.
 
     Six months ago, the company began a 30-day supply of 400 generic drugs
 at a cost of $4 per prescription. The same list, which includes antibiotics
 and drugs that treat ailments such as allergies, asthma, arthritis,
 diabetes, cholesterol and digestive issues, will be used for the
 three-month supply.
 
     The addition of a 90-day component to the program provides more choice
 to customers and physicians who may have been limited to mail order. "As
 healthcare costs continue to rise, we want to do everything we can to
 improve access to medications for our customers," said Bob Egeland, Hy-Vee
 vice president, pharmacy. "Better access not only ensures medication
 compliance and better overall health care, it reinforces the platform for
 our pharmacists to optimize patient use of medication through education and
 counseling."
 
     The launch of the company's $4 generic program six months ago has been
 well-received, said Egeland. He estimates that the program will save
 customers, employer groups, insurance plans, and state and federal programs
 between $40 million and $50 million in its first year.
 
     Generic drugs help people save money, especially those without
 insurance or with high drug co-payments and seniors in the "doughnut hole"
 of their Medicare drug coverage.
 
     Millions of Americans have chronic diseases such as diabetes and
 cardiovascular issues. Moving those patients to a generic prescription if
 they are not already on one is the first step, said Egeland. Just as
 important is helping the costumer understand what lifestyle changes can be
 made that may reduce the need for the medication.
 
     "We pride ourselves on the trust we develop with our customers, a trust
 that assures everyone who steps up to a Hy-Vee counter will be guided and
 supported, not only in the proper use of their medicines but also
 throughout their entire health and wellness journey," said Egeland.
 
     In the last several years, the company has focused 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 125
 locations help customers address additional 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.
 
     There are no forms to fill out or special cards to carry and the
 program is available to all customers regardless of insurance or co-pays.
 Lists of the generic medicines included in the program are available at
 every pharmacy counter and online at http://www.hy-vee.com. Due to state
 law in Minnesota, certain drugs are priced higher than $4 for a 30-day
 supply and $10 for a 90-day supply.
 
     Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating 224 retail
 stores in seven Midwestern states. For 2007 the company recorded total
 sales of $5.6 billion, ranking it among the top 30 supermarket chains and
 the top 50 private companies in the United States.
 
 
 

SOURCE Hy-Vee, Inc.