Technological advancements and evolving consumer expectations are fueling a significant transformation in the healthcare space, with several retailers at the forefront of shaping new paradigms that prioritize convenience, affordability and personalized experiences.
Amazon is one of the more notable examples, leveraging its vast logistical network to step up its healthcare presence in recent months following its acquisition of tech-powered primary care provider One Medical for $3.9 billion in July last year.
On Tuesday (Aug. 15), Amazon Pharmacy – a delivery service for prescription medications launched in November 2020 – announced the debut of automatic, manufacturer-sponsored coupons to help patients save on the high costs of insulin and other diabetes-care products, in an attempt to tackle a sore point for consumers and politicians alike.
“Customers can save time and money on the most commonly prescribed products … like insulin vials, pens, continuous glucose monitors and pumps,” the company said in a post. “With automatically-applied, manufacturer-sponsored coupons, many insulin brands are available to eligible customers starting at $35 a month.”
Prior to that, the retail behemoth in 2020 launched Amazon Clinic, a virtual care service that offers treatment for common health ailments, and more recently a service called RxPass to offer patients access to generic medications for $5 a month, delivered to their homes at no cost.
Earlier this month, the retail giant further deepened its healthcare offerings by announcing that Amazon Clinic, which was initially launched in 32 states, is now available across the United States. Customers using the service can access remote messaging and video consultations for 30 common health concerns 24/7 via the Amazon website or Amazon mobile app with licensed clinicians.
“We think health care is high on the list of experiences that need reinvention,” Neil Lindsay, senior vice president of Amazon Health Services, said last July.
“Booking an appointment, waiting weeks or even months to be seen, taking time off work, driving to a clinic, finding a parking spot, waiting in the waiting room then the exam room for what is too often a rushed few minutes with a doctor, then making another trip to a pharmacy — we see lots of opportunity to both improve the quality of the experience and give people back valuable time in their days,” Lindsay added.
Affordable, Patient-Centric Care
The news of Amazon’s insulin price cuts comes as rival Walmart and other retail firms are stepping up their investment in the healthcare field.
Walmart announced earlier this year it will double its health center numbers amid continued expansion into the wellness space, opening 75+ health centers by 2025.
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