Sam’s Club has partnered with Seattle-based health startup 98point6 to launch a new telehealth service. According to yesterday’s press release, the service offers 24/7 access to both live doctors and a virtual primary care physician—without an appointment—through an AI-powered, text message-based app.
Sam’s Club members can buy a 3-month 98point6 subscription for $20 per person, plus a $1 per-visit fee. That is cheaper than the company’s normal 3-month introductory fee of $30, plus that $1 visit fee. After that period has elapsed, you can sign-up for 98point6 for $33.50 per quarter—$134 per year—or $120 paid annually (again, not including that $1 fee for each individual visit).
You can actually sign up for the service directly at the same $120 annual rate. If you prefer to pay quarterly, you’ll have to go through Sam’s Club—and you’ll end up paying a bit more for the privilege ($14 total if you renew your membership each quarter for a full year).
What the monthly subscription includes
98point6 offers 24/7 unlimited access to licensed physicians 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 physicians may offer on-demand diagnoses and treatment for more than 400 conditions like cold and cough, flu-like symptoms, seasonal allergies, or a rash. The providers may also provide care and monitoring for chronic conditions like anxiety, asthma, depression, diabetes, and heart disease.
The fine print
You must be a Club ($45 per year) or a Plus ($100 per year) Sam’s Club member to access the $20 introductory offer. Via the app, members can also “access pediatric care for additional subscribed family members” over the age of 1, according to the press release.
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It’s important to know 98point6 isn’t health insurance or a substitute for health insurance. 98point6 doesn’t handle emergencies or life-threatening conditions.
You are responsible for paying all out-of-app costs, including prescriptions, labs, and any in-person visits. 98point6 won’t work in conjunction with your existing health insurance, but if your insurance doesn’t cover telehealth, you can still use it to cover any out-of-app costs you might incur with 98point6.
The verdict
98point6 may be an affordable addition to your health insurance plan, particularly if you’re already a Sam’s Club member. It could particularly offer value if you have a high-deductible health plan and tend to go to urgent care for non-emergency visits. It may be cheaper to spend $120 per year for the occasional rash or allergy prescription, rather than paying hundreds for quick in-person visits.
