Amazon.com Inc.‘s (NASDAQ:AMZN) Amazon Pharmacy will offer eligible Medicare beneficiaries weight-loss drugs for $50 per month through a new federal program aimed at expanding access.
The company announced on Thursday that the service would automate eligibility checks, prior authorizations, and billing, while providing home delivery and in-store pickup to streamline access. Amazon Pharmacy will begin enrollment for eligible patients after they add their insurance and Medicare information and their clinician submits an electronic prescription.
The U.S. Medicare bridge program, launched last month, lets eligible beneficiaries access Novo Nordisk A/S‘s (NYSE:NVO) (injection or pill) and Eli Lilly & Co‘s (NYSE:LLY) four-dose Zepbound KwikPen injection and Foundayo pill through the end of 2027. However, it does not cover single-dose Zepbound vials or pens.
Amazon Pharmacy said most patients in its Bridge Program received prior authorization decisions in under 24 hours, significantly faster than the 72-hour timeframe permitted under the Medicare Bridge Program, according to Vice President Tanvi Patel.
The company said that same-day delivery is now available in more than 3,100 U.S. cities and towns and is expected to expand to nearly 4,500 locations by the end of 2026. The company added that many submitted claims have already been fulfilled through completed orders.
GLP-1 Becomes a Retail Battleground
In April, Amazon expanded into the weight-loss market with a new GLP-1 management program through Amazon One Medical. The service integrates virtual and in-person care, prescription management, and pharmacy fulfillment to make obesity treatment more accessible and support long-term weight management. The pharmacy stated that it would offer GLP-1 weight-loss medications, including Wegovy and newer oral options.
Eric Bormel, managing director specializing in digital healthcare at Solomon Partners’ healthcare group told CNBC, "Retailers are betting that if they can become the front door for obesity care, they’ll earn a relationship that extends far beyond a single GLP-1 prescription.”
Retailers are using direct-to-consumer (DTC) GLP-1 programs primarily to attract customers, while placing greater value on the broader healthcare ecosystem around the drugs as GLP-1 medication prices continue to decline, Bormel said.
Experts also expect major retailers and pharmacy chains like CVS Health Corp. (NYSE:CVS), Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) and Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ:COST) to also benefit from the trend.
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