Hawai'i residents saved an estimated $2.03 million in the first 17 months of a $4 prescription program rolled out by Wal-Mart Stores here in November 2006.

The company said nationwide more than $1 billion has been saved since it launched the program, with nearly 30 percent of the $4 prescriptions being filled without insurance. The company offers 361 generic prescriptions in up to a 30-day supply at commonly prescribed dosages.

Other retailers such as Kmart Corp. also offer discount prescriptions. Kmart's offering is $15 for a 90-day supply. Wal-Mart started the $4 drug program in Tampa, Florida in September 2006 and expanded it to 49 states by Nov. 28, 2006

Wal-Mart operates eight of its discount stores and two of its Sam's Club warehouse stores in Hawai'i.