Amazon recently unveiled a new benefit for Amazon Prime members offering full access to One Medical’s virtual care platform at no additional cost. 

Why it's Notable:

• For a mere $9 a month, Amazon Prime members will be able to access all features of the One Medical platform, which translates to just $99 a year, a remarkable $100 less than the typical One Medical membership. This comprehensive membership includes unlimited access to 24/7 on-demand virtual care, complete with rapid access to video consultations with licensed healthcare providers, and an in-app “Treat Me Now” feature that facilitates fast care for common concerns such as cold and flu, skin issues, allergies, and urinary tract infections. 

• Furthermore, Prime members residing near a One Medical facility can conveniently schedule same-day or next-day appointments, either remotely or in-person, at any of One Medical’s numerous primary care offices across the U.S. These offices are known for their stress-free and welcoming atmosphere, offering drop-in on-site labs, punctual appointments, and extended visit times with minimal interruptions between patients and their primary care providers. The in-person visit is not included in the subscription fee, but it guarantees speedy access to appointments for members. 

• In addition, members can also add up to five more memberships for their family members, for just $6 a month, or $66 a year per person, amounting to a substantial 67% savings for each additional member and a 50% savings for the primary member. 

Industry Implications: 

• Amazon continues to solidify its position as a major player in the healthcare industry, with a consistent focus on enhancing convenience and affordability for its customers. This new benefit underscores Amazon’s commitment to reshaping the conventional healthcare model, and enhancing  access to care for its members. Amazon Prime members also enjoy exclusive access to the Amazon Pharmacy service, which includes RxPass, enabling them to receive eligible prescription medications as they need, for an additional flat fee of $5 per month, with free two-day or less delivery to their homes. Members can also avail of Prime Rx which offers significant savings of up to 80% on medications not covered by insurance at Amazon Pharmacy.

• The introduction of this new Prime benefit, along with Amazon’s existing pharmacy services, establishes a high standard for other healthcare providers to compete with, especially in an industry increasingly focused on consumer needs. Amazon is seamlessly integrating virtual, in-person and pharmacy services into a unified consumer experience with affordable pricing, a particularly welcome development in a time when healthcare costs are expected to see the biggest increase in over a decade for employers. Given the vast scale and reach of Amazon Prime, smaller players in the digital health sector will find it challenging to contend with such a comprehensive offering. This is also likely to motivate other retailers to explore options such as lowering prices and experimenting with similar membership-based models, ultimately leading to more choice and better value for consumers.