Amazon Pharmacy will expand same-day prescription delivery to 2,000 new communities this year, reaching 4,500 U.S. cities and towns by December 2026. The expansion adds Idaho and Massachusetts for the first time, targeting areas affected by pharmacy closures and limited access to care.
The company announced the expansion on February 11, positioning faster delivery against traditional pharmacy chains.
"Patients shouldn't have to choose between speed, cost, and convenience for their medication," said Amazon Pharmacy vice president John Love.
Amazon uses different transportation methods based on location. E-bikes deliver prescriptions in dense urban areas like Manhattan, while electric vehicles serve suburban communities. Remote locations including Mackinac Island, Michigan receive medications by ferry and horse.
The service currently operates across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with most customers receiving medications within one to three days. Same-day delivery requires orders placed by 4 p.m. and arrives within four hours in eligible locations.
Amazon Pharmacy launched in 2020 following the company's 2018 acquisition of PillPack for $753 million. The digital pharmacy reached all 50 states with faster delivery options in 2025, setting a record with over 13 billion items arriving same or next day globally.
Prime members without insurance can save up to 80% on generic medications and 40% on brand-name drugs through Prime Rx. The RxPass subscription costs $5 monthly for access to more than 50 common medications, available in 48 states.
In 2025, Amazon Pharmacy introduced caregiver support tools allowing families to manage medications for loved ones. The pharmacy service helped customers save more than $150 million last year by automatically applying manufacturer coupons.
Amazon is expanding prescription kiosks at One Medical locations, where patients can collect medications immediately after appointments. Five kiosks launched at One Medical clinics across Los Angeles last year, with more locations planned for 2026.
The company acquired primary care provider One Medical in 2023 for roughly $3.9 billion. One Medical operates on a $199 annual membership model, offering primary and urgent care services.
Amazon Pharmacy also offers the oral GLP-1 medication Wegovy with pricing starting at $25 for a one-month supply with insurance. Cash-pay options begin at $149 monthly for the weight management drug.
Delivery reaches remote areas including Alaska towns and Navajo Nation communities where the nearest pharmacy can be 45 to 60 minutes away. Traditional mail-order prescriptions take five to 10 days to arrive in these regions.
The expansion comes as pharmacy chains including Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid shutter stores nationwide. Nearly half of U.S. counties had at least one pharmacy desert in 2024, defined as areas 10 or more miles from the nearest retail pharmacy.
Amazon's prescription business generated less than $2 billion in 2024 revenue, representing about 0.3% of the total prescription dispensing market. CVS and Walgreens control approximately 40% combined market share.
The company partnered with urgent care provider Experity in November 2025, giving patients at 7,000+ clinics access to same-day medication delivery. Amazon also collaborates with WeightWatchers to supply GLP-1 obesity treatments to members.
Amazon applied for pharmacy trademarks in the UK, Canada and Australia in 2020 but hasn't expanded prescription delivery to those regions. The company continues to promote cost-saving programs while expanding its same-day delivery network for acute and chronic condition management.
