Kiosks dispense free prescription drug samples

The News & Observer (N.C.): North Carolina's largest health insurer has started to provide doctors' offices with machines that dispense free generic drug samples. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina announced the program Tuesday as part of its continuing efforts to reduce prescription drug costs. It's likely to save patients money, but it has the potential to reduce pharmacists' role in filling prescriptions.

Doctors can use the computerized kiosks to dispense free 30-day supplies of about 30 commonly used generics. The free samples will also be available to the uninsured and other insurers' members, Blue Cross officials said.

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