Costco partners with Sesame to offer members $29 virtual health visits

Love shopping at Costco? How about a virtual doctor's visit for the Costco price of $29?

Costco members will be able to access health services for outpatient care like doctor's visits, labs, and mental health therapy at a "special discount," through a partnership with Sesame, a healthcare marketplace.

Sesame connects providers to consumers at a low cost, through its platform to make appointments and make payments. The company does not accept insurance, which it says keeps prices low and removes "unnecessary middlemen in outpatient care."

“Quality, great value, and low price are what the Costco brand is known for,” said David Goldhill, Sesame’s co-founder and chief executive officer. “When it comes to health care, Sesame also delivers high quality and great value – and a low price that will be appreciated by Costco members when it comes to their own care.”

Sesame and Costco do not plan to open clinics in Costco locations, according to Bloomberg News, who first reported the partnership.

What health benefits can Costco Members access?

According to Sesame, the partnership will offer Costco Members the "best pricing on a range of health services across 50 states." Members will need to verify their Costco membership to access a discount.

Sesame listed the following benefits for Costco members:

• Virtual primary care for $29.
• Health checkups with a standard lab panel and virtual follow-up consultation with a provider, for $72.
• Virtual mental health therapy for $79.
• A discount of 10% for other Sesame services, including in-person appointments.

Will Costco and Sesame take health insurance?

No, the health services Costco will provide in partnership with Sesame will not accept health insurance. Customers who opt for Sesame's services will pay the health provider directly.

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