DeepSummary
The podcast discusses a new partnership between Costco and the telehealth platform Sesame, which allows Costco members to access low-cost telehealth care, including video consults with doctors, prescriptions for weight loss drugs, and ongoing support. One in five inquiries from patients using the program was about weight loss.
Costco's plan costs around $180 every three months, but the cost of the injectable weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy is not included and can range from $950 a month without insurance. The partnership aims to serve members looking for accessible, out-of-pocket healthcare and attract new members.
Similarly, Amazon's pharmacy division has teamed up with Eli Lilly, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, to sell more injectable weight loss drugs directly to consumers. Amazon's reach could help get these drugs into the hands of more people, bypassing middlemen like CVS and Walmart.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Costco and Amazon are partnering with telehealth platforms to offer weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy directly to consumers.
- The partnerships aim to increase accessibility and reduce costs for consumers compared to traditional drug distribution channels.
- Costco's program includes virtual consultations and support for around $180 every 3 months, but does not cover the cost of the actual drugs.
- Amazon is partnering directly with drug maker Eli Lilly to sell the weight loss medications on its pharmacy platform.
- The moves come amid exploding popularity and demand for prescription weight loss drugs.
- By leveraging their scale and reach, Costco and Amazon hope to capitalize on this growing market.
- The drug costs remain high even through these new models, at around $950 per month for the injectables without insurance.
- The partnerships position the companies to serve consumers looking for affordable, out-of-pocket healthcare options.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Costco members can now access video consults with doctors, prescriptions for weight loss drugs and ongoing support through unlimited messaging and guidance from healthcare providers.“ by David Brown
- “The catch is that the cost of that medication is not included in the new plan, which costs around $180 every three months.“ by David Brown
- “The cost of the injectable semiglutides can range between 950 and month without insurance, which this Sesame Costco partnership does not take.“ by David Brown
- “Now Lilly is moving towards skipping the middleman and going direct to consumer with the help of Amazon pharmacy.“ by David Brown
- “The popularity of weight loss drugs has exploded, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.“ by David Brown
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Business Wars Daily
Wondery
4/10/24
Today is Wednesday, April 10, and we're looking at Sesame vs. Amazon Pharmacy.
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