Getting your generic medications shouldn’t feel like a chore. Yet for years, people had to schedule doctor visits, wait in long pharmacy lines, and pay full price for drugs that cost pennies to make. Now, with app-based prescribing, you can get the same generics - at 80% less - delivered to your door in under 24 hours. No waiting. No awkward conversations. Just a few taps on your phone.
How App-Based Prescribing Actually Works
It’s simpler than ordering food. You open an app like Ro, Hims & Hers, or Amazon RxPass, answer a few medical questions, and connect with a licensed doctor - all in under 15 minutes. If they approve your request, the prescription goes straight to a partnered pharmacy. Your meds ship out the same day. You get real-time tracking, just like a package from Amazon.
This isn’t magic. It’s built on years of tech upgrades: HIPAA-compliant encryption, AI-driven triage systems, and real-time drug pricing databases. Most apps run on React Native or Flutter, meaning they work smoothly on both iPhone and Android. The average app is under 80MB - smaller than most games. You don’t need a tech background. If you can use Instagram, you can use these apps.
But here’s the catch: not every medication is available. Controlled substances like opioids or Adderall are off-limits. Some states still require an in-person visit before prescribing certain drugs. And if your condition is complex - say, you’re on five different pills - these apps aren’t designed for you. They’re made for common, stable conditions: high blood pressure, acid reflux, allergies, depression, ED, hair loss, and skin issues.
Top Platforms for Generic Medications in 2025
There are four big players dominating the space - each with a different strategy.
- Amazon RxPass: For $5 a month, you get unlimited access to over 150 generic medications. It’s the cheapest option if you take one or two meds regularly. But if you need more than 150 drugs, you’re out of luck. It’s perfect for people on a fixed budget who don’t need variety.
- Ro: Covers over 1,200 medications across 15 conditions - more than any other platform. You pay $15/month plus the cost of meds. It’s the most comprehensive, with board-certified doctors in all 50 states. If you’re managing multiple issues - like thyroid, cholesterol, and anxiety - Ro is your best bet.
- Hims & Hers: Focuses on lifestyle meds: hair loss, ED, skincare. They’re the brand most people recognize. Their pricing is mid-range: $25-$45 per consultation plus meds. They’re great if you only need one or two specific treatments, but not for ongoing chronic care.
- Beem Health: The wild card. It’s not just a pharmacy. It lets you get cash advances up to $1,000 to cover your meds. If you’re underinsured or can’t afford upfront costs, this is the only platform that helps you pay. They’ve got a 4.2/5 rating on Trustpilot - the highest in the space.
Here’s how they compare:
| Platform | Monthly Fee | Medications Covered | Best For | Prescription Approval Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon RxPass | $5 | 150 | Simple, recurring meds | 72% |
| Ro | $15 | 1,200+ | Multiple conditions, full care | 68% |
| Hims & Hers | $0 (per-prescription) | 200 | Lifestyle meds (ED, hair, skin) | 75% |
| Beem Health | $0 | 400+ | Low-income, cash flow issues | 70% |
Amazon RxPass wins on price. Ro wins on breadth. Beem wins on financial flexibility. Hims & Hers wins on brand trust.
What You’ll Actually Pay
Let’s say you need lisinopril for high blood pressure. At your local CVS, it costs $45 for a 30-day supply. Through Amazon RxPass? $0 - included in your $5 monthly fee. Through Ro? Around $10. Through Hims & Hers? $12. That’s an 80% drop.
Same with sertraline (Zoloft generic). Retail: $50. Amazon RxPass: free. Ro: $8. Beem Health: $9 - and you can get a $500 cash advance if you can’t afford it upfront.
These aren’t discounts. These are price collapses. Generic drugs cost pennies to produce. Pharmacies used to charge you for the convenience of walking in. Now, apps charge you for the convenience of tapping your screen.
Where These Platforms Fall Short
Convenience has a cost - and not always in money.
First, prescription denials. About 1 in 3 initial requests get turned down. That’s not because you’re lying. It’s because the AI or doctor spots a red flag: you’re already on another SSRI, or you’ve had liver issues, or you’re taking something that interacts dangerously. These platforms are designed to be safe - even if it feels like they’re saying no too often.
Second, support is hit-or-miss. Amazon offers 24/7 chat, but the reps can’t answer medical questions. Ro gives you access to pharmacists, but you might wait 47 minutes for a reply. Hims & Hers? Good for initial requests, terrible for follow-ups.
Third, your medical history gets siloed. If you use Ro for blood pressure and Hims for ED, your primary care doctor doesn’t see both. That’s dangerous. A 2025 JAMA study found that 17 case reports involved harmful drug interactions because patients used multiple apps without telling their doctors.
And then there’s the marketing. Some apps make it sound like you can get a prescription for anything - even if you’ve never seen a doctor. The FDA issued 12 warning letters in early 2025 to companies over misleading ads. Don’t believe the hype. These aren’t magic wands. They’re tools - and tools can be misused.
Who Should Use These Apps?
These platforms work best for:
- People with stable, common conditions (hypertension, depression, acid reflux, allergies)
- Those who hate waiting in pharmacies or can’t get time off work
- People without insurance or with high deductibles
- Those seeking discreet care for sensitive issues (ED, hair loss, anxiety)
- Younger adults (25-44) who are comfortable with apps
They’re not for:
- Seniors (only 18% use them - too many tech barriers)
- People with multiple chronic illnesses or complex med regimens
- Those who need in-person monitoring (diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease)
- Anyone who wants to bypass medical judgment
If you’re healthy, young, and just need a refill on a simple med - these apps save you time and money. If you’re older, sicker, or on a lot of pills? Stick with your doctor and local pharmacy. The risk of fragmentation is too high.
How to Get Started (Step by Step)
Here’s how to sign up in under 20 minutes:
- Download one of the apps: Amazon RxPass, Ro, Hims & Hers, or Beem Health.
- Create an account. You’ll need your name, date of birth, and email.
- Upload a photo of your ID. Most apps use AI to verify it instantly.
- Fill out the medical questionnaire. Be honest. Skip questions, and you’ll get denied.
- Answer follow-up questions from the doctor. They might ask for your last blood pressure reading or a list of current meds.
- Wait 12-18 minutes. If approved, you’ll get a notification.
- Choose your pharmacy (usually one of three partnered options).
- Pay. Most accept credit cards, HSA, or FSA. Some let you split payments.
- Track your delivery. You’ll get SMS updates.
Pro tip: If your first request gets denied, don’t give up. Many users get approved on the second try after adding more details. Some platforms let you request a review from a different doctor.
The Future: Where This Is Headed
By 2026, Amazon RxPass will cover 300 meds. Ro will sync with Apple Health. Beem Health will integrate with Medicare Part D. That’s good - but it’s not enough.
The real challenge isn’t tech. It’s coordination. Right now, your telehealth app, your pharmacy, and your doctor’s office don’t talk to each other. That’s why 37% of pharmacists report dangerous gaps in patient records.
Twelve states are testing pilot programs to link digital prescriptions with EHR systems. That’s the next big step. Until then, you’re your own record keeper. Keep a list of every med you get through an app. Share it with your primary care doctor at least once a year.
These platforms aren’t replacing doctors. They’re replacing the middlemen - the long waits, the high prices, the stigma. And for millions of people, that’s a win.
Just remember: convenience doesn’t mean carelessness. Use these tools wisely. Know your meds. Know your limits. And never stop talking to your doctor - even if you never see them in person again.
Can I use insurance with app-based prescribing?
Most app-based platforms don’t accept traditional insurance. Instead, they offer cash prices that are often lower than your insurance copay. Some, like Beem Health, let you use HSA or FSA funds. A few are starting to partner with Medicare Advantage plans, but coverage is still limited.
Are generic drugs from these apps safe?
Yes. All medications come from FDA-approved pharmacies. The generics are identical in dosage, strength, and safety to brand-name versions. The only difference is the price - and sometimes the color or shape of the pill. If you’re concerned, ask the app for the pharmacy’s license number. All are verified.
What if my prescription gets denied?
Denials happen in 25-35% of cases, usually because the system flags a potential interaction or your condition needs more evaluation. Don’t panic. You can often appeal by providing more medical info or requesting a review from a different doctor. Some platforms offer free follow-up consultations.
Can I get controlled substances like Adderall or Xanax?
No. All major platforms are legally prohibited from prescribing controlled substances. This is by design - to prevent misuse. If an app offers these, it’s operating illegally. Avoid it.
How fast do the meds arrive?
Most orders ship within 24 hours. Delivery takes 1-3 days, depending on your location. Some platforms offer same-day delivery in major cities like New York, Chicago, or Tampa - but only if you order before noon and live in a covered zip code.
Do these apps work for seniors?
They can, but adoption is low. Only 18% of seniors use them, mostly because of tech barriers. If a senior needs help, family members can manage the app on their behalf. Some platforms offer phone support, but the experience isn’t optimized for older users.
Can I switch between platforms?
Yes, but don’t use multiple platforms at the same time unless you’re tracking everything yourself. Mixing prescriptions from Ro, Hims, and Amazon without telling your doctor increases the risk of dangerous interactions. Stick to one unless you have a clear reason to switch.
Are these apps legal in all states?
Most are, but 22 states require an established patient-doctor relationship before prescribing. That means if you’ve never seen a doctor in that state, you might be blocked. Ro and Beem Health have doctors licensed in all 50 states, so they’re your safest bet nationwide.
Next Steps
If you’re considering trying an app-based platform, start with Amazon RxPass if you’re a Prime member and take one or two generics. If you need more variety, try Ro. If money’s tight, try Beem Health. Download the app, answer the questions honestly, and see what happens. Most users get approved on the first try.
And if you’ve already used one? Share your experience. Talk to your doctor. Keep a list of what you’ve gotten. And never let convenience replace awareness. These tools are powerful - but they’re only as good as the people using them.
Written by Guy Boertje
View all posts by: Guy Boertje