Amazon Latest Acquisition Revealed: Big News for Healthcare

Amazon has completed its $3.9 billion purchase of membership-based healthcare provider One Medical, according to a press release from the company.

The acquisition, which was originally announced last summer, gives Amazon access to One Medical's app, on-demand telehealth services, and same- or next-day appointments at more than 125 offices. Amazon stock is moving up after this announcement.

One Medical and Amazon fusion

One Medical charges a subscription fee, which is currently discounted to $144 per year, for its services. Members have 24/7 access to telehealth services over video and can schedule appointments through the app.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been investigating the acquisition, as well as other deals made by Amazon. The FTC is reportedly considering an antitrust lawsuit against the company. According to FTC spokesman Douglas Farrar, the investigation into the One Medical acquisition is ongoing.

The commission is looking at possible harms to competition created by the merger, as well as possible harms to consumers resulting from Amazon's control and use of sensitive consumer health information held by One Medical.

Despite the investigation, Amazon is moving ahead with its plans for One Medical. Amazon Health Services Senior Vice President Neil Lindsay praised One Medical in a statement announcing the closing of the deal.

"One Medical has set the bar for what a quality, convenient, and affordable primary care experience should be like," he said. "We're inspired by their human-centered, technology-forward approach and excited to help them continue to grow and serve more patients."

The Acquisition and the Near Future for HealthCare

To mark the completion of the acquisition, Amazon said it would discount One Medical memberships for US users to $144 from $199 for the first year, regardless of whether they're a Prime subscriber. The company plans to work with One Medical to make the healthcare experience easier, faster, more personal, and more convenient for everyone. The acquisition also supports Amazon's ambitions to expand into the healthcare sector and underscores CEO Jassy's vision to disrupt the industry.

At this time, there is no indication that One Medical's services will be included in Amazon Prime or any other Amazon package. However, Amazon is offering a temporarily discounted rate of $12 per month by applying a ONEAMAZON code to the subscription fee.