Long Beach, Calif.-based Molina Healthcare will provide free Amazon Prime services for its Washington Medicaid members to address social determinants of health, according to State of Reform.
Molina will cover the cost for 90 days of Amazon Prime, which offers free two-day shipping, so Washington residents on Molina's Medicaid plan can access healthier food options and supplies such as diapers, baby food and health and fitness videos. After 90 days, members can decide to continue prime services at a discounted monthly rate of $5.99.
Social determinants of health include food, financial and housing insecurities, as well as transportation access and health literacy. An estimated 68 percent of patients experience challenges in at least one category, according to a survey from revenue cycle technology provider Waystar.
"For you and for me, when we need aspirin, we stop at the pharmacy on the way home from work, or we stop at the supermarket or we order from Amazon," Molina Healthcare President Peter Adler told State of Reform. "But for many of our members, those conveniences are not always available. There are transportation issues and there are cost issues."
With 780,000 members, Molina serves approximately 50 percent of Washington's Medicaid members. Through the program, the health insurer aims to benefit patients with mobility challenges, homebound individuals and people residing in group homes.
After the first phase of the initiative is completed, Molina plans to roll out a second phase to transition its health incentives and rewards programs to Amazon gift card rewards.