#None #Epic #Amazon Pharmacy #Prescription Marketplace

Introduction

In a significant development for patient care, the newly launched Prescription Marketplace is set to revolutionize how patients manage their medication expenses. Clinicians and patients within health systems using Epic will now have the ability to compare medication prices at various pharmacies, both with and without insurance, all before the prescription is sent out. This initiative aims to address a critical issue faced by many American adults: rising medication costs.

The Cost of Medications

Research shows that over 40% of U.S. adults have avoided filling prescriptions due to high costs. As part of ongoing efforts to enhance patient access to affordable healthcare, Epic has been actively working toward making prescription pricing more transparent. The new feature, known as Prescription Marketplace, is an extension of Epic's Real-Time Prescription Benefit tool which already provides cost estimates for medications based on insurance plans. This previous initiative has helped save patients more than $250 million in a single year by making them aware of cheaper generic alternatives at the point of care.

How Prescription Marketplace Works

Prescription Marketplace allows pharmacists to share cash pricing—what patients would pay out of pocket—along with insurance information. This dual pricing system means that patients can see if paying cash for a medication is cheaper than using their insurance. For instance, if a patient's insurance indicates a prescription will cost $500, but they can purchase the same medication for only $100 at a participating pharmacy, this information can lead to substantial savings. By providing transparency surrounding medication costs, patients can make informed decisions that fit their budget.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Industry experts have praised this development as a vital step in improving healthcare accessibility. Mark Cuban, co-founder of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs, expressed that patients should have access to clear pricing information before they leave the doctor's office. “If someone's insurance says a prescription costs $500 but they can buy it for $100 elsewhere, they should know that,” Cuban stated.

Amazon Pharmacy has also collaborated with Epic since 2025 in shaping the direction of the Prescription Marketplace. Tanvi Patel, vice president and general manager of Amazon Pharmacy, emphasized that patients deserve an easy and transparent method to understand medication costs. She highlighted that patients should have the option to choose whether to use insurance or pay cash, alongside a convenient method to receive their prescriptions.

The Role of Major Pharmacies

Costco and Eli Lilly are also joining Epic in addressing medication affordability and accessibility. Ricky Li, assistant vice president at Costco, noted that having clear pricing can help reduce pharmacy abandonment rates and improve healthcare experiences for patients. Eli Lilly’s Jen Mazur echoed these sentiments, amplifying the need for transparency and accessibility in healthcare.

Future Developments

The Prescription Marketplace is expected to be officially released in the summer of 2027. Alongside this launch, a panel discussion about medication affordability featuring Amazon Pharmacy, Costco, and Eli Lilly will take place at the Open@Epic conference on October 21, 2026, in Verona, Wisconsin.

Conclusion

With the introduction of the Prescription Marketplace, patients are set to experience a new level of empowerment when it comes to managing their healthcare needs. By eliminating the complexities around medication pricing and providing direct access to financial information, this initiative could represent a significant advancement in patient care and pharmacy practices. As healthcare continues to evolve, tools like the Prescription Marketplace are crucial for fostering a transparent, accessible, and ultimately more patient-centered approach.