Amazon Offers Discounted Prime Membership to Medicaid Recipients

If you live with an illness or disability, you know it can be difficult some days to get out of bed – much less attend to your daily chores and responsibilities. Because of the numerous physical challenges going to the store can pose for those with illnesses and disabilities, online shopping and delivery services such as Amazon can be a helpful alternative.

On Wednesday, Amazon announced it is extending discounted Prime membership to Medicaid recipients. Vice President of Amazon Prime Cem Sibay said:

We hope to make Prime even more accessible. With more than 100 million products to choose from, low prices, time savings, and fast and convenient delivery options, the combination of shipping, shopping and entertainment provide tremendous value to customers.

An Amazon Prime membership typically costs $99 per year or $12.99 if you choose to pay per month. For those with a valid EBT or Medicaid card, a Prime membership will cost $5.99 per month with the ability to renew your membership every year for up to four years. Prime members get access to fast, free delivery as well as other benefits such as Prime video, music, photos and books.

People are praising Amazon’s decision on social media and calling on other companies to offer similar discounts.

Eager to see even more corporate efforts to support people in our society who need it the most. @amazon hope this is just the start. #Medicaid #SDoH https://t.co/1GoiVqBFol

— Vikram Bakhru (@vikbakhru) March 8, 2018

I wish this program was also for Medicare recipients, but I’m sharing for my Medicaid pals.

Being disabled makes shopping very difficult, @amazon is often the only way I can get what I need in a timely manner. #chroniclifetip https://t.co/Qpq06RIggQ

— kat (@graphickat) March 8, 2018

This is amazing. I do not qualify for Medicaid but am on a very low income from disability,

— Lexy (@cfsmefibro) March 8, 2018

Amazon launches a low-cost version of Prime for Medicaid recipients https://t.co/fVL3cRcCP7 via @techcrunch Cool. Lower prices in many cases, and eases transportation costs and difficulties for mobility impaired folks. #p2 #tcot #disability #thursdaythoughts #AARP #GoodNews

— Kevin Cole (@kcole0) March 7, 2018

Amazon to roll our Amazon prime to Medicaid members. RT this to help spread the news to low income families. Often goods are cheaper online, and free shipping & other prime perks could help save these families money & give them access to better quality. https://t.co/7pJFyTM4UD

— Nik (@Quikolas17) March 7, 2018

To confirm your eligibility and sign up for a discounted Prime membership, visit Amazon.