The news: Amazon Pharmacy is launching two new services aimed at simplifying medication management.

• It’s adding pharmacy account access for caregivers.
• PillPack’s pre-sorted medication service is now accepting Medicare Part D users.

Zooming out: Amazon is looking to attract new customers by adding user-friendly and 24/7 access to pharmacy services.

• Caregiver access allows Amazon customers to invite trusted family or friends, who will then be verified by Amazon, to help manage their medications.
• The Part D expansion opens up the PillPack pre-sorted and labeled medication service to more than 50 million people on Medicare plans. It adds to Amazon Pharmacy’s existing Medicare services, including its RxPass drug discount program for Prime members on Medicare insurance.

Why it matters: Caregivers play an increasingly important role with an aging US population.

• 31% of US adults ages 25 and older are primary caregivers for someone with a medical condition and who can’t take care of themselves, per a July 2024 CivicScience report.
• AARP estimates the ratio of middle-aged caregivers to people aged 80 and older will drop to 4 to 1 by 2030, down from 7 to 1 in 2010.
• 36% of caregivers buy medications and refill prescriptions for their loved ones, per an M3 MI last year.