In a move to further expand its presence in the healthcare industry, Amazon has announced a new benefit for its Prime members: a discounted membership to One Medical. This latest offering aims to provide more health services to Prime members and solidify Amazon's position as a key player in the sector.

Starting now, Prime members will have access to One Medical's on-demand virtual care and in-person primary care appointments at a discounted price of $9 per month or $99 annually. Additionally, they will have the option to add family members for an annual fee of $66 each, representing a significant 67% discount compared to the current non-Prime member rate.

Jamil Ghani, Prime's worldwide head, emphasized that this discounted One Medical benefit arrives at a time when many Americans struggle to find or visit primary care providers. With approximately 40% of Americans lacking a primary physician, Amazon aims to address this issue by offering accessible and affordable healthcare options.

Ghani clarified that this discounted rate is not a temporary promotion but a permanent benefit for Prime members. He highlighted that One Medical's unlimited 24/7 virtual care and quick appointment scheduling at physical locations tackle a major challenge faced by many individuals who find it difficult to engage with their healthcare due to the lack of a central hub.

Amazon has been actively expanding its healthcare services to create an integrated ecosystem that connects non-acute doctor visits and prescription pickups. The company acquired One Medical for $3.9 billion earlier this year, solidifying its commitment to the healthcare sector. Despite facing ongoing scrutiny, including a recent case brought by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding its Prime subscription, Amazon remains steadfast in its pursuit of disrupting the healthcare industry.

This is not the first endeavor for Amazon in the healthcare space. The company launched Haven, a joint venture with JPMorgan and Berkshire Hathaway, to control healthcare spend for employee benefits in 2018. However, it folded in 2021. Amazon Care, a telehealth and in-person visit platform for its employees, was launched in 2019 but was ultimately shut down in 2022. Amazon also acquired mail-order pharmacy PillPack for $750 million in 2018, which led to the establishment of Amazon Pharmacy.

With these recent developments, it is becoming clearer how Amazon plans to integrate Prime into its growing array of health services. Prime is a crucial part of Amazon's strategy, offering a multitude of benefits to its members, including various subscription services and exclusive shopping options.

The introduction of discounted One Medical membership for Prime members signifies Amazon's continued efforts to make high-quality healthcare more accessible and affordable. As technology and innovation reshape the healthcare landscape, Amazon is positioning itself as a key player in the industry, aiming to revolutionize the way people engage with their healthcare needs.