Amazon is taking another bold step into the world of healthcare, further cementing its strong footprint in the business-to-consumer “B2C” space. Earlier this week, the tech giant announced a new “RxPass” program. This is a $5 subscription plan that gives Amazon Prime members easy access to dozens of medicines with free delivery.
Dr. Vin Gupta, pulmonologist and chief medical officer at Amazon Pharmacy, explains in his post: good. Navigating insurance can be a maze and going to the pharmacy can be a burden. It can also lead to bad outcomes, such as new drugs not being replenished, replenishment not taking place, and patients suffering. Aspects of our healthcare system make what should be easy difficult. That’s why I feel so lucky to be a part of the change that Amazon Pharmacy is bringing to the field. “
This post details a new initiative by Amazon. [is] Amazon Pharmacy’s new Prime membership benefits give patients affordable access to generic medicines that treat over 80 common health conditions for as little as $5 a month. With RxPass, Prime members can get as many eligible medications as they want for a flat $5 price and have them delivered to their home for free in a convenient way. “
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – September 6: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos holds up the Kindle Fire HD reading device. … [+]
In fact, the company is trying to solve a very real problem. Millions of Americans (Amazon estimates about 150 million Americans) need the same drugs available on RxPass. However, for many people, obtaining these drugs is not an easy process. It often involves tedious insurance procedures, filing bills, paying copays, and physically going to a physical pharmacy to pick up your medication when it’s ready. RxPass effectively seeks to remove many of these barriers, especially by eliminating the insurance component in the process.
The platform also offers strong customer service. Patients can call the Support Her Line, which allows them to coordinate directly with the doctor’s office. If everything goes seamlessly, patients can expect their medication to be delivered to their doorstep.
Over the past decade, the pharmacy sector has received a lot of attention, especially as prescription drug costs have skyrocketed and people are often unable to get the care they need.
Another notable venture in this space is spearheaded by American entrepreneur, early technology investor, media personality and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban. Last year, Cuba announced an innovative initiative called the CostPlus Drug Company. This is a way to make medicines more affordable and accessible to Americans. He explains: If you don’t have insurance or have a plan with a high deductible, you know that even the most basic medication can cost you a fortune. I spend a ridiculous amount of money every month just for it. Americans don’t have to suffer because they can’t afford basic prescription drugs. “
“When you get your drugs from Cost Plus Drug Co. you always know exactly how we got to the price you pay. We always pass those savings back to you! We started this company to do our best to disrupt the pharmaceutical industry and end ridiculous drug prices.”
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Mark Cuban attends the 2019 NBA Awards at the Barker Hangar. (photograph … [+]
Fundamentally, Cuban and Amazon are grappling with a very similar problem: What is the most convenient and affordable way to increase people’s access to life-saving medicines?
Regulators, policy makers, health care providers and patients themselves will undoubtedly face increasing pain in the years to come for both companies, but one thing is certain: both companies It has incredible potential to help increase access to care for people.
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