Costco Offers Online Health Checkups for as Low as $29
Costco, a well-known retailer, is now offering its members online health checkups for as low as $29. This new service is made possible through a partnership with Sesame, a direct-to-consumer health care marketplace that connects medical providers with consumers across the United States.
Sesame announced that starting Monday, Costco members in all 50 states can book health care visits directly through their memberships. One noteworthy aspect of Sesame’s platform is that it does not accept health insurance. Instead, it primarily caters to uninsured Americans and those with high-deductible plans who prefer to pay cash for their health care. According to Sesame, this model helps keep the prices of their services low for users.
Costco Pharmacy’s homepage now features a range of services offered by Sesame. These include virtual primary care visits for just $29, health checkups that consist of a standard lab panel and a virtual follow-up consultation with a provider for $72, and online mental health visits for $79.
David Goldhill, Sesame’s co-founder and CEO, emphasized that the partnership with Costco aligns with both companies’ commitment to quality, great value, and low prices. He believes that Costco members will appreciate the affordable options available for their health care needs.
Costco is not the only retailer that has ventured into the provision of health care services. Many others, including Amazon, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, have also made similar moves. This trend reflects the growing demand for access to urgent care outside of traditional hospital settings.
For instance, Amazon launched its virtual clinic nationwide in August. Through the Amazon Clinic, customers can access telehealth treatment for various common conditions, including pink eye, urinary tract infections, and hair loss. The clinic provides 24/7 access to third-party health care providers directly on Amazon’s website and mobile app.
The availability of online health care services from major retailers offers convenience and flexibility for consumers. With the rise of telehealth, individuals now have more options when it comes to managing their health care needs. These developments also drive competition in the health care industry, potentially leading to more affordable and accessible services for all.