News Briefs: Uninsured Rate Hit Record Low in March

In March, the national uninsured rate hit an all-time low of 7.7%, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Citi analyst Jason Cassorla wrote in an Aug. 3 investor note that the low rate “is not surprising” since Medicaid continuous enrollment provisions enacted during the pandemic were still in effect at that time – as were enhanced Affordable Care Act marketplace subsidies and the “generally stable to improving employment rate.” However, now that states have been permitted to restart Medicaid eligibility checks, the uninsured rate is almost certain to go back up, he pointed out.  

Amazon.com., Inc. is expanding its virtual care offering, Amazon Clinic, to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. “In addition to message-based consultations in 34 states, Amazon Clinic now supports video visits nationwide,” the retail giant said in an Aug. 1 press release. Amazon first rolled out Amazon Clinic last November, but it was not available in all states at that time. Customers using the Amazon Clinic can access services via the Amazon website or mobile app, where they can “compare response times and prices from multiple telehealth provider groups, complete an intake form, and connect with their chosen provider,” the release stated. Patients do not need insurance to access the Amazon Clinic’s services and it doesn’t accept insurance; but the release noted that “medication prescribed by clinicians may be covered by insurance.”