The retail giant launches low-cost telehealth for kids, challenging traditional healthcare and pharmacy models.
Amazon Introduces Affordable Virtual Healthcare for Kids
Amazon One Medical has launched a pay-per-visit virtual care service for children aged 2 to 11. This new service offers message-based visits at $29 and video consultations at $49, making healthcare more accessible for time-strapped families.
- The service is insurance-free and doesn’t require a One Medical membership.
- It treats common conditions like pink eye, lice, eczema, rashes, bug bites, and other skin-related issues.
- It also offers EpiPen and asthma medication renewals, adding further convenience.
This pediatric virtual care model mirrors Amazon’s 2024 adult telehealth offering, marking its expansion into family-focused healthcare.
Not a Replacement, But a Supplement
Amazon emphasizes that this service is not meant to replace pediatricians, but to help parents during “in-between” moments when fast care is needed.
“It’s a convenient option for parents with time-sensitive concerns,” said Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, national medical director at Amazon One Medical.
This approach caters to modern families who seek quick, reliable care without the wait or hassle of scheduling traditional appointments.
Filling the Gap Left by Retail Health Retreat
As CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart scale back their retail health services, Amazon is moving in.
- Rite Aid has closed all its remaining stores.
- CVS shut down over 1,000 locations since 2021.
- Walgreens closed 500 stores in the last year.
This leaves a significant void in accessible care that Amazon is strategically positioned to fill.
Expanding Its Healthcare Empire
Amazon’s latest pediatric launch is part of a long-term healthcare play:
- In 2018, Amazon acquired PillPack for $750 million.
- In 2020, it launched Amazon Pharmacy.
- By 2022, it purchased One Medical for $3.9 billion.
Just last week, Amazon also debuted prescription vending machines at One Medical clinics in Los Angeles, stocking essentials like inhalers, antibiotics, and blood pressure meds. These kiosks could disrupt traditional pharmacies, bringing more pressure to brick-and-mortar models.
Amazon’s Healthcare Vision
With its latest move, Amazon is signaling a clear strategy:
- Offer affordable, accessible, and on-demand care.
- Fill the growing gaps in traditional retail and clinical services.
- Establish itself as a dominant player in healthcare delivery.
Its growing portfolio—from online prescriptions to virtual pediatric visits—suggests a retail-healthcare hybrid model built for speed, scale, and user convenience.
