For the many people who take recurring medications but find collecting them from the drugstore at best a chore and at worst a struggle, the rise of mail-order prescription services has been, quite simply, a lifesaver. And now, millions of Medicare users are being offered another service that can cut the cost and hassle of ordering meds: the RxPass from Amazon Pharmacy.
Launched a year ago, the RxPass is designed to provide lower-cost access to generic medicines that treat more than 80 common health conditions, including high blood pressure, anxiety and acid reflux. Subscribers can get as many eligible medications as they need, plus free home delivery and the ability to connect with a pharmacist 24/7, for a flat fee of $5 a month. Until recently, those with Medicare insurance plans were excluded from the service, but Amazon has now widened accessibility.
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, Amazon said. And if all Medicare beneficiaries transitioned their eligible medications to RxPass, Medicare spending would be reduced by nearly $2 billion.
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.
Amazon RxPass small print
While signing up to the scheme is straightforward using the Amazon Pharmacy website or app, you will need an Amazon Prime subscription to be eligible to join. This currently costs $14.99 per month/$139 per year.
RxPass isn’t currently available to send medications to California, Texas and Washington, although Amazon Pharmacy is available in all of those states. And those with state-funded insurance such as Medicaid and CHIP are not eligible. If your prescription medication needs change, you can cancel the service at any time.
Dr. Vin Gupta, chief medical officer of Amazon Pharmacy, said: “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 affordability and access challenges among a patient population who experiences high levels of chronic disease.”
If you’re eligible to join, it’s worth considering whether you’d benefit from using the RxPass. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of traveling to the drugstore to collect your prescription — and the time you’ll save by not having to wait in line.
Related content
-
UnitedHealth Stock Falls as Lawmakers Eye Insurers, PBMsUnitedHealth stock is continuing to fall Thursday after the introduction of bipartisan legislation targeting PBMs and healthcare giants. Here's what to know.
-
Here's How Collectibles Are TaxedCollectibles Gains on collectibles can be subject to a higher rate than for most other investments.
-
A Checklist for Retiring in 2025Navigating the final stretch of your professional career can be daunting. We've compiled a checklist to help you put your best foot forward into retirement.
-
I Won’t Be Handing Out Gift Cards This Christmas. Here’s WhyGift cards are usually considered a safe bet at Christmas, but in these strained times, how can you be sure your gift won't go to waste?
-
Three Possible Tax Impacts for Retirees Under TrumpHow might a second Trump term affect your tax bill in retirement — or the inheritance tax bill for your heirs? This pro has three predictions.
-
What to Know About Leverage and Bitcoin's Meteoric RiseLeverage in the financial world can lead to astonishing success or a crushing collapse. How are investors using leverage to invest in bitcoin?
-
How Do You Know When It's Time to Change Financial Advisers?Sometimes a breakup is for the best. Here's how to handle 'the talk' and make the switch to a new professional who's a better fit for you.
-
Quicken Launches New Tool to Protect Your Financial Documents: Is it Worth it?If you're looking for a secure place to store your financial documents, Quicken's LifeHub offers you an easy and affordable way to do so.
-
CPI Report Casts Doubt on Rate Cuts in 2025: What the Experts Are Saying About InflationCPI November Consumer Price Index data sealed the deal for a December rate cut, but the outlook for next year is less certain.
-
Quiz: Test Your Financial LiteracyTry your hand at these three questions designed to gauge your knowledge of the ABCs of personal finance. In a survey, only 43% of Americans answered correctly.
