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.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free 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.
-
I Found the Best Gifts Under $50 and None of Them Feel CheapAmazon October Prime Day is the perfect chance to nab some under-$50 gifts that feel more expensive than they are (because normally they would be).
-
Amazon AI on Prime Day: Deal Helper or Upsell Machine?Amazon’s Rufus chatbot, Alexa voice deals and Amazon Lens can change how you shop on Prime Day. Here’s how to use them wisely — and avoid being upsold.
-
How to Safely Get Your Amazon Packages This SeasonWorried about porch pirates? From Amazon lockers to secure lock boxes, here’s how to protect your holiday deliveries.
-
‘I Play Pickleball in Retirement.’ Is It HSA-Eligible?Retirement Tax Staying active after you retire may be easier with these HSA expenses. But there’s a big catch.
-
What to Know About New Medicaid Cuts: Is Your Local Hospital Closing Soon?Tax Policy Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ is now law, and rural hospitals across the U.S. are on the chopping block.
-
Last Chance to Shop These Under-$100 Prime Day Deals for a Smarter, Safer Home: Ring Doorbells, Nest Thermostats, Leak Detectors and MoreThese under-$100 Prime Day deals on Ring, Blink, Nest and other top smart home brands are disappearing after today.
-
Sam's Club Takes On Amazon Prime With Big Summer Savings — But Is It Worth Joining?With longer sales and seasonal deals, Sam's Club is making a strong case for summer value. Here's how to save.
-
FSA or HSA-Eligible Amazon Prime Deals You Can Shop NowDouble down on savings by taking advantage of these FSA or HSA-eligible early Prime deals. Save on the smart rings, air purifiers, baby gear and more.
