Area pharmacies defend their prices and customer service in statements to KY3 News about our prescription comparison investigation:

"We regularly audit the market to maintain competitive prices. It's important for consumers to know that prices can fluctuate day-to-day. In addition, because patients may have different insurance plans, the actual price a patient pays may vary. And most importantly, our focus remains on providing safe and good patient outcomes, and we are able to provide this service because of the availability of pharmacists and good patient counseling."

Stacy Fender
Media Relations Coordinator, Corporate Communications
CoxHealth
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"We urge people to find one pharmacy that offers the best value in terms of pricing, convenience, service and accessibility.

"In addition to convenient locations and hours, it’s important to consider the level of service a drugstore provides. Our services include online pharmacy access, drive-thru service, automated refills, prescription labels available in 14 languages and more 24-hour locations than all drugstore chains combined. Our pharmacy network also allows patients to go to any Walgreens nationwide to refill their prescriptions.

"More than 97 percent of our patients purchase their prescriptions through some form of prescription insurance coverage or our Prescription Savings Club.

"More than 2 million people take advantage of our Prescription Savings Club, which offers more than 400 generic medications for a dollar a week. The program also offers deep discounts on more than 5,000 brand name and generic medications and is seen as an attractive option for patients without health insurance or for patients who take medications that are not covered by their health plans. More information about the Prescription Savings Club, as well as an easy to use pricing tool, is available here."

Robert Elfinger
Media Relations Specialist
Walgreens
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"We try to be as competitive as possible, but pricing is only part of the equation.  We offer free delivery service in Springfield, Nixa and Ozark.  We will also match competitor's prices and will make adjustments if possible for our customers without insurance.  We offer two medication access programs for people trying to get back on their feet.  This allows prescriptions to be sold at cost or we work with pharmaceutical companies to get a decrease in price.  We recognize the need for uninsured people and self-pay customers and these programs help."

Rob Shockley - St. John's
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 Walmart did not respond to our request for comment.