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Amazon is strengthening its flagship Prime subscription program with a new benefit that gives members access to discounted One Medical memberships.
The company announced Wednesday that Prime members can sign up for One Medical at a rate of $9 per month, or $99 per year, versus the standard cost of $199 per year, or $16.59 per month. Prime members can add up to five additional memberships to the same subscription at a rate of $6 per person, Amazon said.
Amazon is integrating One Medical into its Prime membership service after acquiring the primary healthcare provider in July 2022 for approximately $3.9 billion. One Medical operates a network of boutique primary care practices in some parts of the US, primarily around major cities. Users can access care from a physician through the One Medical app, and they can also schedule virtual or in-person appointments at a physical location.
“When it’s easier for people to get the care they need, they will care more about their health and achieve better health outcomes,” said Neil Lindsay, senior vice president of Amazon Health, in a statement. “That’s why we’re bringing the exceptional experience of One Medical to Prime members – it’s healthcare that makes it dramatically easier to get and stay healthy.”
The tech giant has steadily added a buffet of benefits to its Prime membership program over the years as a way to lure more subscribers. Launched in 2005, Amazon Prime gives members access to free two-day shipping, as well as access to exclusive movies and TV shows, among other benefits. Membership costs $139 per year. As of April 2021, the service had more than 200 million subscribers worldwide.
With the addition of a One Medical benefit, Amazon is looking to not only attract more Prime sign-ups but also deepen its healthcare relationship with shoppers. Amazon has been working to break open the healthcare market for years, with varying degrees of success.
In addition to One Medical, it acquired prescription drug company PillPack in 2018 for about $750 million. In August 2022, the company shut down its Amazon Care telehealth service amid broader cost cuts. Haven, a joint venture intended to disrupt healthcare, was dissolved in 2021. Amazon recently expanded a virtual health clinic and the company operates an online pharmacy.
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