Wal-Mart said it will cut prices of 291 generic prescription drugs to $4 at its Wal-mart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in the Tampa area starting Friday, and they plan to expand the program to all of Florida and other states in January-2007.

Up to a 30-day supply of generic drugs will be available for $4 whether the customer has insurance or not. Customers with insurance will pay only $4, even if their co-pay is higher.

In a conference call with reporters, Bill Simon, Executive Vice President of Walmart’s Professional Services Division, said the generic drugs would not be sold at a loss to entice customers into the stores, a strategy that has been used in Wal-Mart’s toy business.

He said Wal-Mart is working with drugmakers to help them be more efficient, but added, “We are working with them as partners. We are not pressuring them to reduce prices.”

[Read](http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/2006-09-21-walmart-drugs_x.htm?csp=34 “Read the Story”) (Reuters via USA Today)