What physician leaders need to know about Amazon's new prescription drug service

Online retail giant Amazon is now offering prescription medications to its Amazon Prime members with subscription-based service RxPass, according to a Jan. 24 report from CBS News.

Prime members will be able to pay $5 a month to fill whatever prescriptions are needed from a list of 50 generic medications. 

Medications covered will include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and high blood pressure medication. 

Prime members enrolled in the monthly program will also be eligible for 80 percent off generic medications and 40 percent off name-brand medications at 60,000 pharmacies around the country, according to the report. 

While the subscription service costs $5 a month, some of the medications already cost as little as $1 for a 30-day supply. 

The program will not require insurance, and people with Medicare and Medicaid are not eligible. RxPass will be available in 42 states. 

This is not Amazon's first attempt at entering the healthcare space. Last year, it closed its virtual in-home care service Amazon Care. It also dissolved health company Haven, which it opened in collaboration with JPMorgan and Berkshire Hathaway. 

Along with RxPass, Amazon launched Amazon Clinic in November, which allows patients to message with physicians directly for consultation on 24 or more common conditions. Its purchase of primary care company One Medical is currently under investigation by the Federal Trade Commission. 

 

 

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