Well, you're saving the 15-20 minute drive each way (assuming they're not on your way already) and the hassle of talking to someone online.

Remember, AMZN is entering the health insurance space as well, so that vertical integration can remove the "is this covered?" question that some with substandard insurance may have.

And with regards to supply chain issues, there's no reason for Amazon to open up their pharmacy service to third party sellers. Yes, they'll get a larger selection faster, but isn't that what this acquisition is for?

Pillpack sends you a roll of pills every month packaged in little plastic pouches. If you take multiple pills a day it can simplify your regimen.

Pillpack works proactively with your doc and insurance to handle refills, paperwork, etc -- more so than any other pharmacist I've had.

To your point, you aren't Amazon's customer, the insurance companies are. They might be able to use their size as leverage for better prices from manufacturers and compensation from insurance companies. There may also be synergies with Amazon's business lines because volume is a big factor in fulfillment costs. All of these factors might give them an edge over other online or brick and mortar pharmacies.

> I can already get my pharmacy prescriptions from mail order fulfillment houses...

Having just spent two weeks calling daily to get my daughter's specialty medication sorted out, I'm all for Amazon's customer service approach entering this space.

When Amazon promises a resolution/callback, I trust it. Express Scripts promised me callbacks not once, not twice, but four separate times without ever making one.

I completely agree. But being adequate-to-worse is in line the rest of their operation, and yet they're widely popular.

Every time I'm subjected to multiple dark patterns simply in the course of checking out (say, for some brand that makes Amazon their official distribution channel), I wonder why so many seem to be singing their praises. I can only think there's just a sizable segment of newly-digital suburban-hipsters, finally discovering online ordering in general and comparing Amazon to say driving to Target.

Let's see.. How do i get started with "mail order fulfilment houses", I don't know. Is there a web site? Do they send fliers?

With amazon it's convenience, and scale. PEople go to amazon.com when they want to buy something (be it vitamins, or electronics, doesn't matter).

This just makes their hands stronger.