With healthcare costs at record highs, a growing number of companies are offering monthly subscription plans that promise savings on prescriptions, telehealth visits and other services \u2014 even for people who already have insurance.<\/p>\n
Independent pharmacist Kevin Day of Day’s Pharmacy<\/a> said high costs are driving the trend.<\/p>\n “A lot of patients are getting charged really, really, really large numbers, whether it’s in the drug space that we obviously are comfortable with, or imaging is a big one,” Day said. “Some of the companies are stepping into that space because there’s opportunity to step into it.”<\/p>\n Watch as a pharmacist explains the pros and cons of health care memberships:<\/b><\/p>\n Do health care subscriptions save money?<\/p>\n Potential savings with healthcare subscriptions<\/b> <\/p>\n One example of a healthcare subscription comes from GoodRx, which launched GoodRx Companion<\/a> this past May. <\/p>\n The $14.99-a-month service includes more than 200 free generic medications, $19 telehealth visits, savings on lab and imaging services and discounts on vision and dental care.<\/p>\n “Basically, the types of care that most of us seek and use on a regular basis, yet even if you have insurance, oftentimes can be unpredictably expensive,” said Wendy Barnes, president and CEO of GoodRx.<\/p>\n Barnes said the service works alongside existing insurance plans but is designed to make costs more predictable.<\/p>\n “We don’t want you standing at the pharmacy counter wondering what you’re going to pay,” Barnes said. “We don’t want you to abandon the prescription because the cost was shocking to you.”<\/p>\n Amazon One Medical<\/a>, Hims<\/a> & Hers<\/a> and Ro<\/a> are other examples of subscription-based healthcare services.<\/p>\n When memberships make sense<\/b> <\/p>\n For gig workers, part-time employees, or those between jobs, these membership models may help cover gaps in everyday care.<\/p>\n They can also benefit underinsured households with high deductibles and limited-appointment availability.<\/p>\n