Amazon Pharmacy will expand its same-day prescription delivery service to nearly 4500 US cities and towns by the end of this year, increasing access to medication in areas with limited pharmacy coverage.
The expansion will include new states such as Idaho and Massachusetts later this year. The company said the move comes as pharmacy closures, staffing shortages and transportation barriers have limited access to care in several regions.
“Patients shouldn’t have to choose between speed, cost, and convenience when it comes to their medication, regardless of where they live,” said John Love, vice president of Amazon Pharmacy. “By combining our pharmacy expertise with our logistics network, we’re removing barriers and helping patients start treatment sooner.”
Delivery network expansion
Last year, Amazon Pharmacy reported changes in delivery speeds across a range of communities. In Manhattan, prescriptions are delivered by electric bicycle. In suburban areas such as Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania, deliveries are made using electric vehicles. On Mackinac Island, Michigan, prescriptions are transported by ferry and horse.
In Los Angeles, patients in the One Medical network can pick up medications at Amazon Pharmacy kiosks in clinic lobbies. The company plans to roll out additional kiosks this year.
The service also operates in remote communities in Alaska and across the Navajo Nation, including Fort Defiance and Keams Canyon. In these areas, the nearest pharmacy can be more than a 45–60 minute drive away, while traditional mail-order options can take five to ten days. Through its logistics network, Amazon said many prescriptions arrive the next day or within two to three days. Customers in all 50 states and Washington, DC, can receive home delivery.
Access and cost initiatives
The same-day expansion forms part of Amazon Pharmacy’s broader efforts to increase access and address medication costs. Last year, the company introduced a caregiver support feature, expanded its $5-per-month RxPass programme to Prime members in 48 states, and partnered with WeightWatchers, Experity’s Urgent Care Network and DoseSpot to support prescribing and pricing processes.
In areas described as pharmacy deserts, Amazon Pharmacy provides 24/7 access to licensed pharmacists, automatic refills and PillPack, which organizes medications by dose and time and delivers them monthly.
Amazon Pharmacy said it helped customers save more than $150m last year by automatically applying eligible manufacturer-sponsored coupons, including for insulin and GLP-1 medications.
Prime members without insurance can access discounts on generic and brand-name drugs through Prime Rx. The RxPass subscription covers more than 50 medications for conditions including diabetes, hypertension, anxiety and heart disease, with delivery included in eligible locations.
By integrating logistics and pharmacy services, Amazon is positioning its platform as an alternative distribution channel alongside traditional retail pharmacy networks.
