(BPT) - In the U.S., more than 131 million people (about 66% of adults) use prescription medications to maintain their health and well-being. However, these customers can face significant difficulties accessing and affording their medication. From waiting for hours in line at the pharmacy to questions of privacy to surprise costs, the traditional pharmacy model is not built with customers in mind. These barriers can make accessing potentially life-saving medication difficult, if not impossible, for some patients.

Rethinking the pharmacy experience

Why is getting prescription medication so difficult? Traditional pharmacies have remained largely unchanged for decades, not adapting to modern customer needs. This has led to pain points that include reduced hours, fewer pharmacists, and inflated prices, which worsen the pharmacy experience.

Luckily, new innovations are changing the prescription drug landscape for the better, making accessing medication simpler and more affordable. Like Amazon.com, Amazon Pharmacy is focused on creating new convenience, value, and selection for customers. Using tools like AI, machine learning, and micro-mobility, Amazon Pharmacy provides consumers with upfront pricing estimates, fast home delivery when they need it, and 24/7 access to pharmacists.

Using Amazon Pharmacy is like having a full-service pharmacy right in your pocket. The online store carries most medications prescribed at the doctor's office and delivers them free to your front door. The company's model builds on the concept of mail-order pharmacies, which are generally associated with lower health care costs and improved medication adherence. However, mail-order delivery can take up to two weeks. When you use Amazon Pharmacy, you'll experience all the benefits of mail order, which typically include lower prices and higher medication adherence, plus even faster delivery.

Continuous innovation

Since its launch in 2020, Amazon Pharmacy has continued to improve the pharmacy experience.

Just last year, the company launched a series of new programs to add value and convenience to customers' lives. One key initiative is RxPass, which allows Prime members to access unlimited eligible prescription medications for only $5 per month, including free shipping. With over 75 million Americans taking one of the eligible medications, chances are one or more of your medications is included.

Amazon Pharmacy is also automating savings from manufacturer-sponsored coupons. Eligible coupons don't require customers to download a form, call a manufacturer, or search the fine print. If you're eligible, coupons will be directly applied at checkout, allowing customers to save time and money. To date, automatic coupons on Amazon Pharmacy have already helped customers save over $15 million.

Amazon is also supporting savings at more than 60,000 participating pharmacies nationwide, including Amazon Pharmacy through the Prime prescription savings benefit. Prime members can receive discounts up to 80% off generic and 40% off brand-name medications at a wide range of locations.

Finally, customers in need of fast treatment can have their medications delivered to their door in hours, not days - via drone in College Station or same-day delivery in Austin, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, and Seattle. Amazon Pharmacy delivers to every zip code in the US, and can ship directly to your door.

Amazon Pharmacy is pioneering the future of pharmacy with its innovative and customer-centric approach. To learn more about how you can receive affordable and convenient prescription medication, visit Pharmacy.Amazon.com.