Amazon Makes Big Push Into The Healthcare Business, Doubles Down on Primary Care Services

As competitors drop out, Amazon is doubling down on primary care with One Medical clinics tied to its Prime membership program. Its success could change how millions of Americans access everyday healthcare.

Key Facts:

Amazon bought One Medical in February 2023 for $3.9 billion.
The service combines virtual and in-person care, offering same-day and next-day appointments.
Prime members can add One Medical for $9/month or $99/year.
One Medical is expanding in New Jersey, New York, and Ohio with partners like Hackensack Meridian and Cleveland Clinic.
Walmart and Walgreens have exited or scaled back their efforts in primary healthcare due to high costs.

The Rest of The Story:

Amazon’s One Medical venture is taking a different route than previous retail healthcare efforts.

By pairing virtual and physical care under a membership model, it aims to serve both short-term and chronic care needs.

Prime members already loyal to Amazon can now access quicker doctor appointments and 24/7 virtual visits.

And there it is…@amazon officially in the Primary Care Medicine game pic.twitter.com/rZLMtSDEvR

— Elliot Servais, MD, FACS (@ElliotServaisMD) February 27, 2025

One Medical is also working with major hospital systems to extend its reach.

In New Jersey, it’s teaming up with Hackensack Meridian Health.

In New York and Ohio, it’s partnered with Montefiore and the Cleveland Clinic.

This model could allow for more scalable, high-quality care while leveraging existing trust in hospital brands.

While Walmart and Walgreens cite unsustainable costs and profitability issues as reasons for exiting the space, Amazon may benefit from its deep pockets and built-in subscriber base.

Yet, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing.

A wrongful death lawsuit last year and the loss of key corporate client Google show the road to healthcare dominance won’t be easy.

Commentary:

There’s no question — the U.S. has a serious shortage of primary care doctors.

Getting an appointment can take weeks or months in many places.

If Amazon can actually deliver quick access through One Medical, it would be a game changer for millions.

They’re offering a compelling deal: $9 a month for fast, flexible access to care.

For people who already pay for Prime, that’s an easy add-on.

And it comes at a time when traditional healthcare systems are slow, expensive, and frustrating.

Amazon’s strategy is smart.

Instead of building a network from scratch like Walmart tried, it’s leaning on trusted hospital brands.

That’s likely to reassure patients who might be wary of “big tech” in medicine.

And by mixing virtual and in-person options, they can serve people in more places at lower cost.

Jeff Bezos has built successful businesses in retail, cloud computing, and entertainment.

Healthcare is a different animal, but Amazon has the money, data, and infrastructure to give it a real shot.

Whether it can also avoid regulatory trouble and medical missteps remains to be seen.

Time will tell whether this model actually delivers better outcomes or just faster service.

But given the decline of traditional options, many people may be willing to try it — especially if their employers or health plans cover it.

The Bottom Line:

Amazon is stepping in where others have failed, betting that its membership model and tech infrastructure can fix access to basic healthcare.

While competitors like Walmart and Walgreens struggled, Amazon sees an opportunity in the growing demand for fast, affordable care.

It won’t be without hurdles, but with hospital partners and millions of Prime members, Amazon is positioned to shake up the way Americans see their doctors.

Whether it can truly deliver on that promise remains the big question.