Free Prescriptions Offered By Reasor's

It's no secret rising health care costs are taking a toll on many Oklahomans' wallets.  The cost of prescription drugs is a major factor in some families' budgets.  News On 6 anchor Jennifer Loren reports a local chain of supermarkets says they want to help by providing free prescriptions to their customers.

Ron Johannesen takes medication regularly.

"It's a constant ongoing expense for us," said Ron Johannesen.

And, he says, he's concerned about the cost of prescriptions he may need in the future.

"I believe it is spiraling out of control and I'm look forward to hopefully retiring in the near future and I'm really concerned about the cost of health care," said Ron Johannesen.

Johannesen has his prescriptions filled in the pharmacy at the Reasor's in Catoosa where the pharmacist says he can help.

"They're usually surprised and pleased. They think there is something wrong at first, but I tell them there's no gimmick or anything," said pharmacist Bret Armstrong.

All Reasor's pharmacies are giving away free 10-day supplies of antibiotics.

"All they have to do is have a valid prescription from their doctor for those particular drugs and there's no cost to them. They just bring their prescription in and we'll get it taken care of," said pharmacist Bret Armstrong.

The list of free antibiotics includes meds that would normally cost you between $4 and $20, like the commonly prescribed amoxicillin, cephalexin or penicillin.

Right now, that list includes about 30 different antibiotics and pharmacists say that list is expected to grow.

Reasor's execs say they started the program as a way to help their customers cut costs and to help improve the health of the communities they serve.

"What does Reasor's get out of this?  Hopefully just the customers' loyalty and hopefully their confidence that we're going to take care of them and help them with their health care needs," said pharmacist Bret Armstrong.

For customers like Ron Johannesen, one free prescription goes a long way.

"Well, cause every dollar you can save is important," said Ron Johannesen.

Reasor's execs say they're not sure how long they'll provide free antibiotics to their customers, but they're shooting for at least a year.