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SEATTLE — Amazon Pharmacy announced Tuesday that RxPass is now available to Prime members on Medicare, opening access to affordable medication to over 50 million more people. Amazon Pharmacy’s RxPass subscription program provides unlimited access to 60 common medications for just $5/month, and includes 24/7 access to a pharmacist, and fast, free delivery—including same-day delivery in nine cities.
Prime’s RxPass subscription savings program has already helped tens of thousands of Prime members save time and money on their recurring medications. Starting today, more than 50 million Medicare beneficiaries are now eligible to take advantage of RxPass, an exclusive benefit for Prime members that enables affordable access to common medications; fast, free delivery each month; and the ability to connect with a pharmacist 24/7.
A Medicare beneficiary who takes at least one medication available through RxPass could save approximately $70 per year and a beneficiary who takes two or more medications could save even more. If all Medicare beneficiaries transitioned their eligible medications to RxPass, Medicare spending would be reduced by nearly $2 billion, and customer out-of-pocket spending would also decrease.
“Programs like RxPass help reduce cost, while increasing convenience for caregivers, and customers of all ages, which is shown to improve medication adherence and support better health outcomes,” said John Love, vice president of Amazon Pharmacy. “Amazon Pharmacy and Prime continue to offer new ways to save time and money at every step of your health journey.”
“Many people don’t realize that even if you have great insurance, you can still save on select medications by using programs like RxPass,” Love added. “The overall cost of medications can be lower, and that’s not even factoring in the time and effort saved from not having to drive to a pharmacy or stand in line.”
At Amazon Pharmacy, customers have the option to use insurance for some or all of their eligible medications, or use savings programs from Prime for eligible medications, which do not use insurance. Prime savings programs including RxPass and the Prime prescription saving benefit offer up to 80% off the cost generics and up to 40% off the cost of brand name medications.
“Prime is savings, convenience, and care all in a single membership,” said Jamil Ghani, Worldwide Vice President of Prime. “Millions of Americans enjoy Prime’s exclusive savings, exceptional entertainment options, and fast, free delivery of products and services, and now they have access to a growing number of health care offerings including One Medical membership, medications priced as low as $1 through the Prime prescription savings benefit, and unlimited access to eligible generic medications from RxPass.”
Research shows people don’t take their medications as prescribed about half the time. Most older adults (76%) report that the cost of prescription drugs is unreasonable. Approximately 16 million Americans live in a pharmacy desert, and an estimated 10% of people face mobility concerns. As the U.S. population continues to age, these challenges are projected to grow. Improving medication access and affordability can reduce these barriers.
“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,” said Dr. Vin Gupta, chief medical officer of Amazon Pharmacy and a practicing pulmonologist. “When a patient’s medication arrives regularly at their door, at a price they can afford, we see better long-term health outcomes.
An estimated 133 million Americans—nearly half the population—manage at least one chronic illness, such as hypertension, heart disease and arthritis. Nearly nine in ten (89%) adults 65 and older report taking prescription medications regularly, and more than half of adults 65 and older (54%) report taking four or more prescription medications.
“The good news is we’re seeing early indications that RxPass can improve adherence outcomes among patients,” said Dr. Gupta. “Many common health conditions can be well-managed through consistent use of medicine and healthy lifestyle choices. Expanding RxPass to Medicare beneficiaries can help solve for affordability and access challenges among a patient population who experiences high levels of chronic disease.”
