Amazon launches RxPass — its new subscription service for medication
The monthly RxPass subscription service costs $5 and includes over 50 generic medications
Amazon just launched RxPass, a new program that lets Prime members ship prescription medications to their homes. The monthly subscription service costs only $5 (not including the Prime membership fee) and includes over 50 generic medications for common conditions, like high blood pressure and anxiety. In fact, more than 150 million Americans already take at least one of the prescriptions available on RxPass. The $5 cost is a flat monthly fee, letting you refill multiple prescriptions at no additional cost. However, keep in mind that this service is only for Prime members, and membership fees cost $14.99 a month or $139 a year.
Currently available in 42 states, RxPass is Amazon’s latest push into the healthcare industry. In 2020, Amazon began mailing discounted prescription medications through its Amazon Pharmacy. Then, at the end of 2022, the company unveiled Amazon Clinic which offers users message-based consultations with clinicians for a range of conditions.
With RxPass, generic medications are heavily discounted — at up to 68% off. If you don’t have insurance, pay out of pocket for medications, or don’t have your medications covered by your insurance policy you could potentially save big by opting to get your general prescriptions through Amazon this way. However, if you are covered by a government-funded insurance policy, like Medicare or Medicaid, you won’t be able to use RxPass at this time. Additionally, you won’t be able to use your HSA or FSA with RxPass either, as it’s not considered a substitute for insurance.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Overall, while RxPass offers heavy discounts on generic brand drugs, you won't see the same discounts for the expensive brand-name drugs, which according to CNN, “drive the bulk of US prescription drug spending.” So, while RxPass probably won’t push down spending on drugs that aren't facing competition from generic medications, it is likely to drive more healthcare spending towards Amazon, boosting memberships and encouraging customers to spend more on other products.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Erin pairs personal experience with research and is passionate about sharing personal finance advice with others. Previously, she was a freelancer focusing on the credit card side of finance, but has branched out since then to cover other aspects of personal finance. Erin is well-versed in traditional media with reporting, interviewing and research, as well as using graphic design and video and audio storytelling to share with her readers.
-
Medicare Drug Plans Are Getting Better Next Year. Some Will Also Cost More.
Upcoming changes to the Part D drug benefit, including a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket medication, will benefit millions of Americans. But higher premiums may also be on the way
By Susan Jaffe | KFF Health News Published
-
The Worst Credit Cards: Is One in Your Wallet?
If you have one of the worst credit cards, it's time to replace it with a winner. We can help.
By Kathryn Pomroy Published
-
Amazon Prime Members Can Now Save Nearly $70 Per Year on Gas
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can now add discounts on fuel to your ever-expanding list of perks
By Kathryn Pomroy Published
-
12 Books That Taught Us About Finance
From classics to recent bestsellers, here are some of the best money and personal finance books you can find on Amazon, according to Kiplinger's editors and writers.
By Alexandra Twin Last updated
-
Get Apple AirPods Pro 2 for the Lowest Price Ever on Amazon Prime Day
Score the AirPods Pro 2 for their lowest-ever price this Amazon Prime Day. Plus, shop for other Apple products on sale.
By Erin Bendig Published
-
Five Amazon Prime Day Deals We Love
Here's a look at five Amazon Prime Day deals we love this October Prime Day.
By Erin Bendig Last updated
-
After Amazon Prime Day: The 25 Best Deals Still Going On
If you missed out on Amazon Prime Day, no worries. There are dozens of "too-good-to-miss" Post-Prime Day deals to cash in on, from Samsung, Shark, Ninja, Apple and more.
By Kathryn Pomroy Last updated
-
Amazon Prime Day Southwest Deal: 30% Off Domestic Flights
Amazon Prime Day Southwest Deal: 30% Off Domestic Flights
By Kathryn Pomroy Published
-
Amazon Prime Day: Best Deals Under $50
Get the best Amazon Prime Day deals under $50 before they sell out.
By Donna LeValley Published
-
Save Money on Your Energy Bills with These Amazon Prime Day Deals
Amazon Prime Day is prime time to get great deals on energy efficient devices and appliances.
By Donna LeValley Published