Publix Ending Popular Free Prescriptions Program

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Several prescription medications that were once free under Publix's free prescription program will no longer be free of charge.

In a statement, Publix announced, "Effective June 1, 2022 we will no longer offer our free prescription program." Instead "Maintenance medications, including Metformin, Lisinopril and Amlodipine, will be eligible for $7.50 for a 90-day supply and Amoxicillin will be $7.50 for a 14-day supply."

"I enjoy it because my blood pressure medicine, particularly and occasionally when I need antibiotics, I've used it from that, so I've enjoyed it," said Margaret who's gotten free prescription medication from Publix for years. Since 2007 certain antibiotics and maintenance drugs were free. Margaret has seen the benefits for herself and others.

"I was an optometrist and told many of my patients when I saw what medications they were on, I said, 'Oh you can get that for free at Publix,' they said, 'well I only pay $5 with insurance.' I said, 'Hey, it's $5.' So I did spread the word about it," she said.

LaTricia Segura-Branch is the Pharmacy Manager at Community Health of South Florida.

"Income or the lack of should not be a barrier for you achieving good health," she said.

She said community health organizations can offer hope to people looking for low-cost meds, some free, others from $4-$10

"Some drug companies allow us to give medications to patients who are in need of specific medications, insulin injection, psych meds, whatever it may be," she said.

We checked the websites of several other retailers that offer no-cost or low-cost prescription medication. Your doctor is also a good resource who may be able to check for cheaper medications or assistance getting the meds you need.