Amazon is taking longer strides in its healthcare business, and next in line is a program that allows subscribers an unlimited supply of required medications for a flat fee. The online retail giant announced in a press release on Tuesday that it will be launching a prescription drug discount program for U.S. Prime members.
Amazon have just announced RxPass, for Prime users, it means you can pay a monthly flat fee of $5 to get generic versions of medication. pic.twitter.com/tCAvFFE86H
— Product Hunt 😸 (@ProductHunt) January 24, 2023
Under RxPass, subscribers will pay $5 a month to fill as many prescriptions as needed from a list of up to 50 generic medications, which are usually cheaper versions of expensive brand-name drugs. The medications offered in this program can treat more than 80 common chronic conditions, the company said.
According to Amazon, $5 could cover an array of drugs such as antibiotics amoxicillin and doxycycline, anti-inflammatory naproxen, antifungal nystatin, blood pressure medication losartan, sildenafil, and antidepressant sertraline. Its offerings also include medications used in the treatment of mental health disorders.
The service is available to users of Amazon’s Prime plan, which charges a monthly fee of $14.99 or an annual fee of $139. It is also open to users in 42 states of the U.S. and Washington D.C.
Per Amazon, the latest program seeks to help Prime patients who have to take multiple medications to save time and money while maintaining their health.
The RxPass, however, does not accept insurance nor does it cover individuals under Medicare coverage or government-funded Medicaid.
The recent years have seen Amazon increasingly try to gain ground in the healthcare market. After acquiring PillPack in 2018, it launched its online pharmacy in 2020. After that came Amazon Care in 2019, even though that venture is now shut down. The next plan has to do with the $3.9 billion acquisition of One Medical, a primary care organization that offers virtual and in-person care for patients.
While there is a twist to the latest program, Amazon already sells a range of genetic drugs through its pharmacy service. There are plans that cost as low as $1 for a 30-day supply. At no additional costs, Prime members can also get up to 80% discount off generic medications and up to 40% in discount off brand name drugs at more than 60,000 pharmacies across the country.
