Amazon Pharmacy is expanding access to affordable medications for seniors. The company’s subscription service, RxPass, is now available to Prime members on Medicare. Launched in January 2023, RxPass offers unlimited access to 60 commonly prescribed generic medications for a flat monthly fee of $5, with free delivery and 24/7 pharmacist support.
“Our vision has always been: help everybody get access to their medication. I think the value is going to come, for some of the Medicare population, the mobility feature can be very compelling. If you don’t have easy access to a car or easy access to a retail pharmacy, the ability to get meds delivered is compelling,” said John Love, vice president of Amazon Pharmacy. Love highlighted the convenience factor for Medicare beneficiaries, especially those with mobility limitations.
Potential Cost Savings for Medicare Beneficiaries
A Medicare beneficiary taking at least one RxPass medication could save an estimated $70 per year, with even greater savings for those on multiple medications. Amazon estimates that nationwide adoption of RxPass by Medicare beneficiaries could reduce program spending by nearly $2 billion annually.
Addressing Pharmacy Deserts and Medication Adherence
The RxPass expansion also addresses the growing issue of pharmacy deserts. A study published in Health Affairs Scholar found that 16 million Americans lack convenient access to pharmacies. “We have lost a lot of pharmacies. Bartell’s is gone. Rite Aid is gone. Twenty-four hour pharmacies are not really a thing. To be able to get these very common generic medications, at low cost delivered to your door, I think the access piece is very important,” Love said.
Improved medication adherence is another potential benefit. Research shows that about half of patients don’t take medications as prescribed, often due to cost or difficulty obtaining refills. “There are a high number of adults who, whether due to cost, mobility, or simply not having time to collect their medications from the pharmacy, are not adhering to a medication regimen that could be life-saving. When a patient’s medication arrives regularly at their door, at a price they can afford, we see better long-term health outcomes,” said Dr. Vin Gupta, Amazon Pharmacy’s chief medical officer.
RxPass complements Amazon’s Existing Pharmacy Services
RxPass joins Amazon Pharmacy’s existing offerings, including PrimeRx, a program offering discounts on generic and brand-name medications at participating pharmacies. Amazon has also launched automatic coupon features for insulin and other diabetes supplies, and even offers drone delivery for prescriptions in select areas.
A Growing Presence in Healthcare
Amazon’s acquisition of PillPack in 2018 and its recent purchase of One Medical signal the company’s growing presence in healthcare. “Treatment guidelines continue to evolve with evidence supporting the use of combination therapy (2+ meds) for conditions like high blood pressure. Programs like RxPass were designed with these treatment considerations in mind, enabling initiation of two blood pressure medications instead of one without any additional cost to the patient.” said Dr. Gupta.
While Amazon recently eliminated some positions across its pharmacy and healthcare units, it’s also forging partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and insurers. These efforts suggest a continued commitment to expanding access to affordable medications.
Offering affordability, convenience, and potential adherence improvements, Amazon RxPass could be a significant development for Medicare beneficiaries and the healthcare landscape.
