News Watch 2008-04-28 (2)

CITIZENS BANK RUNNING SUPERMARKET PROMOTION

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Citizens Financial Group, which operates 540 in-store Citizens Bank and Charter One branches in supermarkets in various states, is offering $135,000 in free groceries in a promotion that runs through the end of this month. Customers opening new checking or savings accounts have the chance to win $250 gift cards that can be used in the host store. One winner per in-store bank branch will be notified of the prize next month.

REPORT: RX COPAYS DOWN DUE TO GENERICS

ST. LOUIS — Last year marked the first time in about five years that consumers paid less, on average, for prescription drug copays, according to the 2007 Drug Trend Report issued by pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts here. The average copay declined 25 cents to $13.20 even as the average total cost of a prescription increased from $55.01 to $55.93, according to the report. Express Scripts said the copay decrease was due to a greater use of generic drugs. The report said consumers saved an average of $15 per prescription each time they moved from a brand to a generic.