What You Need to Know About Sam’s Club Telehealth Program
Sam’s Club has partnered with Seattle – based startup 98point6 to launch a new telemedicine service . According to yesterday’s press release , the service offers 24/7 access to both live doctors and a virtual therapist – without an appointment – via an artificial intelligence-powered text messaging app.
Sam’s Club members can buy a 3-month 98point6 subscription for $ 20 per person plus $ 1 per visit. It’s cheaper than the usual $ 30 company registration fee of $ 30 plus a $ 1 visit fee. After that period, you can subscribe to 98point6 for $ 33.50 per quarter – $ 134 per year – or $ 120 billed annually (again, not including the $ 1 fee for each individual visit). the same 120 dollars a year. If you’d rather pay quarterly, you’ll have to go through Sam’s Club – and you’ll end up paying a little more for the privilege (only $ 14 if you renew your membership every quarter for a full year).
What the monthly subscription includes
98point6 offers 24/7 unlimited access to licensed doctors and other healthcare providers through the company’s website and mobile app for $ 1 per visit. The service is available in all 50 states .
These doctors can offer on-demand diagnosis and treatment for more than 400 conditions, such as colds and coughs, flu symptoms, seasonal allergies, or rashes. Health care providers can also provide care and follow-up for chronic conditions such as anxiety, asthma, depression, diabetes, and heart disease.
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You must be a member of Sam’s Club ($ 45 per year) or Plus ($ 100 per year) to access the $ 20 introductory offer. Through the app, members can also “access pediatric care for additional signed-up family members” over 1 year old, according to the press release.
It is important to know that 98point6 is not health insurance or a replacement for health insurance. 98point6 does not deal with emergencies or life-threatening conditions.
You are responsible for all non-app expenses including prescriptions, lab tests, and any personal visits. 98point6 will not work in conjunction with your existing health insurance, but if your insurance does not cover telemedicine, you can still use it to cover any out-of-app costs you might incur with 98point6.
Verdict
98point6 can be an affordable add-on to your health insurance plan, especially if you are already a member of Sam’s Club. This can be especially beneficial if you have a high deductible health plan and tend to seek emergency care during non-emergency visits. It can be cheaper to spend $ 120 a year on medication for an occasional rash or allergy than paying hundreds for quick, personal visits.