Publix Pharmacy operates across seven states in the U.S. — Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. They run a free prescription drug program through which they provide some common prescription drugs completely free of cost to their customers. 

Since 2007, when Publix debuted the free prescription medication program, the supermarket giant has given out more than 100 million free prescriptions at its 1,200 pharmacies. 

However, based on a Publix flyer obtained by us and a report by a Cox Media Group reporter, it appears that the Publix free prescription program is ending on June 1 this year. 

If you are a Publix Pharmacy customer who has been enjoying the benefits of the free prescription program, please continue reading to learn more about what it means for you.

What is the Publix Pharmacy Free Prescription Program?

The Publix Pharmacy free prescription program began more than a decade ago. It includes a handful of commonly prescribed medications used by doctors to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, and infections. As part of the program, these medications are free at Publix Pharmacies for as long as a customer’s doctor prescribes them. 

What medications are included in the Publix Pharmacy Free Prescription Program?

The following medications qualify for free prescriptions at a Publix Pharmacy:

Amlodipine

Amlodipine belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It is used to treat high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). The Publix program provides a free 90-day supply of amlodipine (90 of the 10-mg tablets or 180 of the 2.5-mg or 5-mg tablets) at a time. Combination products that contain amlodipine are not included in the program.

Metformin

Metformin is an oral medication that helps control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. People whose health insurance doesn’t cover this medication can get free metformin prescriptions, a 90-day supply at a time, through the Publix prescription program. This includes 360 of the 500-mg tablets, 270 of the 850 mg tablets, or 225 of the 1000-mg metformin tablets.

Lisinopril

Lisinopril belongs to a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors and is prescribed to patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain heart and kidney conditions. A Publix pharmacist can dispense a free 90-day supply of lisinopril (up to 180 tablets) of all strengths as part of the program.

Antibiotics

The Publix Pharmacy free prescription program offers a 14-day supply of the following generic antibiotics — ampicillin, amoxicillin, penicillin VK, ciprofloxacin (except ciprofloxacin XR), and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SMZ/TMP) tablets.

Is the Publix Pharmacy Free Prescription Program ending?

Yes, Publix announced that they are ending the free prescription program on June 1, 2022. 

What does it mean for customers who have been benefiting from this program?

Since Publix is no longer offering medications for free after the program ends on June 1, customers will have to obtain antibiotics and maintenance medications through their health insurance plans. 

Most insurance plans cover the generic medications that are a part of the Publix free prescription program. However, people who do not have insurance or have high deductibles or copays will have to bear an out-of-pocket cost.

Here is an estimate of the out-of-pocket cost for these medications:

• Amlodipine 10 mg x 90 tablets cost approximately $17
• Metformin 500 mg x 90 tablets cost approximately $20
• Lisinopril 20 mg x 90 tablets cost approximately $34
• Amoxicillin 500 mg x 14 capsules cost approximately $11

How can I obtain low-cost medications after the Publix free prescription program ends?

The medications that were a part of the Publix Pharmacy free prescription program are available in generic versions, which can be significantly cheaper than the brand name versions. Brand name and generic medications contain the same active ingredient and are equally effective and safe. Like most medications, generic drugs offer better value if you don’t have health insurance or have a high copay and are paying for medicines out of pocket. 

A BuzzRx discount coupon can result in significant savings on these medications. The drug discount program allows customers access to these drugs at a fraction of the retail price. Simply give the pharmacist your free BuzzRx discount coupon when dropping off your prescriptions at the pharmacy counter. This will ensure you’re getting the most significant discounts and paying the lowest prices for these medications. Both major chains and independent pharmacies are part of the BuzzRx discount program.

References:

1. https://www.nghs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Publix-Free-Medication-Program.pdf
2. https://progressivegrocer.com/publix-discontinuing-free-prescriptions