Amazon Pharmacy to expand same-day delivery to nearly 4,500 US cities

Amazon is significantly broadening the reach of its online pharmacy service. Amazon Pharmacy announced plans to extend same-day prescription delivery to nearly 4,500 cities and towns across the United States by the end of the year. This move will add nearly 2,000 communities to its existing coverage network.

The expansion will include customers in newly supported states, including Idaho and Massachusetts, according to the company’s announcement on Wednesday. With this growth, Amazon aims to make rapid prescription fulfilment more widely accessible, especially in areas that previously lacked same-day delivery options.

Amazon first introduced Amazon Pharmacy in 2020, building on its 2018 acquisition of PillPack for $753 million. PillPack specialised in organising and shipping medications directly to customers, and its integration laid the groundwork for Amazon’s broader entry into the pharmacy market.

In 2023, Amazon expanded its healthcare offerings further by launching RxPass. This subscription program allows U.S. Prime members to receive as many generic medications as they require for a flat $5 monthly fee, covering a range of commonly prescribed treatments. The service was positioned as a cost-saving measure for customers managing chronic conditions or recurring prescriptions.

Commenting on the latest expansion, John Love, vice president of Amazon Pharmacy, emphasised the company’s goal of simplifying access to medications. “Patients shouldn’t have to choose between speed, cost, and convenience when it comes to their medication, regardless of where they live,” Love said in a press release. “By combining our pharmacy expertise with our logistics network, we’re removing critical barriers and helping patients start treatment faster—setting a new standard for accessible, digital-forward pharmacy care.”

Amazon’s strategy relies heavily on leveraging its established logistics infrastructure to compete in the healthcare space. By integrating pharmacy services with its extensive fulfilment and distribution capabilities, the company aims to accelerate prescription delivery while maintaining affordability and convenience.

In addition to expanding same-day home delivery, Amazon has been experimenting with in-person fulfilment solutions. In October, the company introduced prescription vending machines at its One Medical clinics. These in-office kiosks, operated by Amazon Pharmacy, allow patients to collect their prescribed medications immediately following their medical appointments, reducing wait times and eliminating the need for a separate pharmacy visit.

With the latest rollout, Amazon Pharmacy continues to scale its footprint in the U.S. healthcare market, aiming to redefine how patients receive medications through a blend of digital tools, subscription pricing, and rapid distribution services.