Amazon announced Tuesday morning that its pharmacy division is launching an automatic coupon for $35 insulin vials, continuous glucose-monitors and pumps.
Amazon Pharmacy is automating savings on more than 15 insulin and diabetes care brands, including commonly prescribed products from Novo Nordisk, Sanofi and Eli Lilly, among others.
Eligible customers will have access to Amazon’s team of pharmacists along with free delivery for these diabetes products.
The tech giant becomes the latest company to revise its approach to insulin in a year where major pharma brands have sought to cut costs for patients with diabetes.
Earlier this spring, Novo, Sanofi and Lilly all announced they would slash the prices of their insulin products and cap out-of-pocket costs. The three drugmakers instituted price reductions months after the Inflation Reduction Act capped the monthly price of insulin at $35 for Medicare beneficiaries. President Biden called for a universal cap on the price of insulin during the State of the Union address in February.
“Imagine not knowing the price of food or other essentials before being asked to pay at the cash register—that would be a terrible experience,” said John Love, VP of Amazon Pharmacy, in a statement. “The lack of upfront pricing in pharmacy is a pain point for customers that Amazon Pharmacy can help solve. Similar to how customers shop for the items they need on Amazon, we’re making it simpler to get critical medications. We’re thrilled to be able to help customers better find and afford their insulin.”
Additionally, Charles “Chuck” Henderson, CEO of the American Diabetes Association, commended Amazon for its business move, saying the company took important action on behalf of patients.
The automated $35 insulin move is yet another significant healthcare play from Amazon, which rolled out its RxPass service to Prime members earlier this year. The $5-per-month subscription service delivers generic drugs to patients for free and covers medications for more than 80 medical conditions.
Amazon has had a particular focus on making its industry inroads through the prescription drug space, which began when it acquired PillPack for $750 million in 2018.
The automated insulin program was also unveiled nearly one year after the company announced it would shut down Amazon Clinic, which it first stood up in 2019.
