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Michael T Braden June 4, 2024, MEDICARE PART D
I wrote my first blog article about the Amazon Pharmacy shortly after Amazon purchased PillPack. I think for individuals who take multiple medications, and in particular, medications at different times of the day, this is a game-changer, and it is a lifesaver for many Medicare Beneficiaries across the country. And today, I am excited to share with you another great service, for all Medicare Beneficiaries courtesy of the Amazon Pharmacy and RxPass.
Last Month, Amazon announced the expansion of eligibility for its RxPass prescription medication program. This program allows Medicare beneficiaries to receive unlimited popular, generic (Tier 1 & Tier 2) prescription medications for just a $5.00 Subscription Fee Per Month.
OVER 50 GENERIC MEDICATIONS FOR $5 PER MONTH, NOT $5 FOR EACH PRESCRIPTION, JUST $5 PERIOD!
* Amazon Prime members, get all of your eligible medications in one monthly subscription
AMAZON'S RxPass HAS YOU COVERED
While other savings programs charge for each medication, Rx Pass is always $5 a month —no matter how many generic prescription medications you take.
AMAZON RxPass HAS A LOW FLAT FEE ON 50 GENERIC MEDICATIONS FOR SENIORS.
Every Amazon Prime Member who is a current Medicare Beneficiary can join RxPass and begin to take advantage of these unbelievable savings.
SUBSCRIBE FOR JUST $5 PER MONTH
Just one monthly price for all of your eligible medications.
EASILY SEARCH FOR YOUR MEDICATIONS ON AMAZON
When searching on Amazon, we’ll show you when a medication is included with RxPass.
AMAZON WILL DELIVER YOUR MEDICATIONS DIRECTLY TO YOU
Your medication is packed securely and discreetly, with status updates.
REMEMBER.........YOU HAVE TO BY AN AMAZON PRIME MEMBER TO JOIN RxPASS
RxPass is exclusive to Amazon Prime members. You’ll need to sign up for Amazon Prime before you can subscribe to RxPass. Plus, you’ll get all the other great benefits of being an Amazon Prime member—including free 2-day delivery, exclusive deals, and prescription savings.
RxPASS IS AN EASIER AND SIMPLER WAY TO GET YOUR
RxPASS IS A BETTER WAY TO RECEIVE YOUR PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
DID YOU KNOW THAT THE AVERAGE AMAZON PRIME MEMBER SAVES 47% BY USING RxPASS?
INCLUDES MORE THAN 50 OF THE MOST COMMON PRESCRIBED GENERIC MEDICATIONS
FAST, FREE DELIVERY TO YOUR DOOR
DID YOU KNOW THAT AMAZON HAS A FULL-SERVICE PHARMACY?
THE AMAZON PHARMACY MAY BE USED AS YOUR PREFERRED PHARMACY BY MOST MEDICARE PART D PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS.
IF YOU TAKE MULTIPLE MEDICATIONS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU TAKE THEM MULTIPLE TIMES PER DAY, YOU SHOULD ASK ABOUT AMAZON PILLPACK.
WITH AMAZON PILLPACK, EACH OF YOUR MEDICATIONS COMES SEPARATED AND DATED IN ITS CONVENIENT EASY-TO-OPEN PACKET.
YOU MAY BE WONDERING...........
IS RxPASS A GOOD OPTION FOR YOU?
If you’re a Prime member and you are paying more than $5 a month for all of your generic medications, RxPass could help you save. RxPass isn’t insurance, but it can be helpful for those without insurance or when insurance doesn’t cover certain medications. Many people with diabetes, high blood pressure, and anxiety will find their medications eligible with RxPass.
HOW DOES THE RxPASS WORK?
RxPass is a benefit for Prime members that gives subscribers access to the most common generic medications for a flat fee of $5 a month. Subscribers can get all their prescribed generic prescription medications on the RxPass list filled as often as they need for one flat monthly fee. RxPass offers auto-refill so that you get all your eligible prescriptions automatically for $5 a month. Which medications are included with RxPass?
YOUR RxPASS SUBSCRIPTION INCLUDES MORE THAN 50 GENERIC MEDICATION, S COVERING MANY COMMON AILMENTS.
Not everyone is eligible to subscribe to RxPass. Why? RxPass does restrict eligibility based on insurance and the state where medications will be shipped. People with state-funded insurance such as Medicaid and CHIP are not eligible to sign up for RxPass right now. Additionally, RxPass is not currently available to send medications to California, Minnesota, Texas, and Washington. However, the Amazon Pharmacy is still available in all of those states.
DO YOU HAVE TO BE AN AMAZON PRIME MEMBER TO USE RxPASS?
Yes, RxPass is exclusively an Amazon Prime member benefit. If you’re not a Prime member, you must join Prime before subscribing to RxPass.
HOW OFTEN WILL YOU BE CHARGED?
The subscription fee for RxPass will be charged to your selected payment method on the first of each month. When you subscribe, you’ll be charged a prorated amount for your first month and charged on the first day of the following month. What if I decide to cancel? You can cancel RxPass anytime. You will still be able to use RxPass for the rest of the month you’ve paid for, and you will not be charged again.can still You can still
CURRENT AMAZON Rx PASS MEDICATIONS
THIS MIGHT BE A BIG HELP TO MANY MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES
While Rx Pass is available for Medicare enrollees, that does not mean you should disenroll from your Medicare Part D plan. Because the RxPass is limited, it is not considered "Credible" by CMS. So, this should be viewed as an addition to your current Stand-Alone Part D plan or your Medicare Advantage Prescription Coverage.
Rx Pass has been designed to work seamlessly with your current Part D Prescription Drug plan. RxPass is specifically beneficial for those Medicare beneficiaries who have several generic medications. So instead of paying several small co-pays or co-insurance amounts for each medication, they can receive all of their Generic Medications (Provided they are specified on the list above) for just $5 per month, regardless of how many they take.
These medications are safely delivered to your door free of charge every month.
If your medication is not covered by Amazon Rx Pass, you should continue to use your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan, just like you always have at your favorite "Preferred Pharmacy" for your particular plan.
There are several benefits for both the Medicare program and enrollees when using Rx Pass. However, the most notable benefits include cost savings and convenience.
However, on the other hand, while Rx Pass offers many benefits, there are some potential challenges and considerations to keep in mind:
LIMITED LIST OF GENERIC MEDICATION AS OF JULY 2024:
At present, Rx Pass only includes generic medications, which might not cover all the needs of Medicare beneficiaries, especially if you are prescribed any Brand-Name medications.
YOU MUST BE AN AMAZON PRIME MEMBER :
The service is only available to Amazon Prime members, which adds cost for those not already subscribed to Prime.
AMAZON RxPASS COST SAVINGS
One of the most significant advantages of the Amazon Rx Pass for Medicare beneficiaries is the potential cost savings associated with using the program.With a minimal $5 Flat Fee, per month, members can access over 60 generic medications. Plus, there is no cap to the number of prescriptions you can fill using this program. Whether you fill 1 or 10 prescriptions, you are only required to pay the monthly membership fee. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals on multiple medications, as it simplifies budgeting for prescription costs.
Instead of paying multiple co-payments that usually cost $2 - $10 for each Prescription, which can average from $2-$10 per generic medication depending on the pharmacy you use and the Part D plan you are enrolled in. You could just pay one consistent flat fee of $5 per month. If you receive at least one medication through Rx Pass each year, it is projected that you could save up to $70 out-of-pocket.
That number increases the more medications you receive. It is intended to help reduce Medicare spending. If all Medicare enrollees began using Rx Pass for their eligible medications, Medicare spending would reduce by 1.5 - 2 billion dollars annually. This would allow for potentially lower Medicare costs and result in higher margins for the Medicare program.
MORE CONVENIENCE BROUGHT TO YOU BY AMAZON
RxPass was designed around convenience. Not only are the prices low, but the medications are easy to obtain. The program provides the convenience of home delivery with free shipping, eliminating the need for trips to the pharmacy.
In addition to easy medication delivery, members also have 24/7 access to a licensed pharmacist. This ensures you receive professional advice whenever and wherever needed.
Individuals who are bed-bound, have limited mobility, or wish to stay home to reduce the risk of falls or avoidable injuries may have opted out of Medication in the past due to their inability to go to the pharmacy or leave their home. Now, these individuals can have access to the medication they need and can benefit greatly from this program.
HOW AMAZON AND THE RxPASS COULD SHAKE UP THE PRESCRIPTION DRUG LANDSCAPE IN AMERICA
The introduction of Rx Pass places competitive pressure on traditional pharmacies and other prescription delivery services. This competition could lead to more affordable options and better services across the industry, benefiting all consumers, including Medicare beneficiaries.
This type of pressure is a step in the right direction for individuals who rely on prescription medications to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, if Amazon Rx Pass leads to better medication availability this could lead to better health outcomes, resulting in fewer hospitalizations and less medical interventions, leading to lower overall healthcare costs and keeping more money in your pocket each month.
Overall, Amazon Rx Pass represents a significant innovation in the delivery and cost of prescription medications. For Medicare beneficiaries, the potential cost savings, convenience, and improved medication availability are substantial benefits.
As the service evolves, it will be interesting to see how it impacts Medicare Beneficiaries, their wallets, and the overall impact it will have on the Prescription Medication systems we have in the United States.
WRAPPING THINGS UP
We are excited to see how quickly the word spreads about the new Amazon RxPass. There is potential for savings and convenience for the Medicare Beneficiaries /Amazon Prime Members. I liken this approach to COSTCO and SAM's CLUB. They are not making money off of the prices at the locations, they are making money off of the Memberships. And, in the long run, this is a great way to keep a growing staff of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Techs busy while also adding value to your Amazon Prime membership.