Publix to Offer Seven Free Drugs

Publix Supermarkets will begin offering seven common prescription drugs for free, regardless of the health insurance carrier for the customer. In a move that raises the bar toward more available and affordable health care for all citizens, Publix will provide the following oral medications at no charge: Amoxicillin, Cephalexin, Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP), Ciprofloxacin (excluding ciprofloxacin XR), Penicillin, Ampicillin and Erythromycin (excluding Ery-Tab).

In a joint announcement with Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Publix becomes the first retailer to offer prescription medications at no cost to the consumer. The release stated that fourteen-day supplies of the listed drugs, which are among the most commonly of all prescribed medicatons, will be available every Publix (the chain has stores in five states). The seven selected medications account for approximately half of all prescriptions filled at Publix.

“Health and wellness is crucial to every Floridian’s quality of life and paramount to the vitality of our state,” said Florida Governor Charlie Crist. “We appreciate great partners like Publix Super Markets working to further provide affordability and accessibility to quality prescription drugs for working families and seniors.”

In a move that should only bring applause and kudos to Publix, new or current customers will have their prescriptions filled, up to a 14-day supply, at no charge.

Bravo to Publix!