Costco has begun offering its members in the US access to online health checkups, via a new tie-up with direct-to-consumer health care marketplace firm Sesame.
The new initiative allows Costco members to book healthcare visits directly via their membership, for as little as $29. The services available include virtual primary care visits, health checkups (a standard lab panel and a virtual follow-up consultation with a provider) for $72, and online mental health visits for $79.
David Goldhill, Sesame’s co-founder and CEO, noted: “Quality, great value, and low price are what the Costco brand is known for. When it comes to health care, Sesame also delivers high quality and great value – and a low price that will be appreciated by Costco Members when it comes to their own care.”
The move follows similar moves by rivals such as Amazon, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, who offer their members access to third-party healthcare providers.
NAM Implications:
- Costco has been underestimated by rivals a number of times, over the years.
- Healthcare could be another example.
- Worth exploring where you might fit.
- Especially compared with traditional ways of handling healthcare.
- (and keep an eye on Amazon’s moves…)
