Direct-to-patient healthcare marketplace Sesame is aiming to cut care costs down by using direct arrangements with providers to avoid administrative fees traditionally imposed by insurers.
Here are six things to know about the company's approach:
1. Founded in 2020, Sesame uses direct-to-patient agreements that cut down on the 30 cents to 40 cents in administrative costs tied to every insurance reimbursement dollar, according to pymnt.com. While Sesame earns money on this savings, it can also advertise low costs to patients.
2. The startup connects people seeking healthcare with traditional, in-person primary care, specialist visits, telehealth appointments and pharmacy services.
3. Announced Nov. 18, Sesame is using a two-tiered membership system to provide users with benefits.
4. The free tier, Sesame Basic, only requires an email to sign up for and offers the startup's traditional experience since launch: $5 prescriptions, customer support, a user appointment portal and exclusive deals.
5. For $7 a month, Sesame Plus includes 25 percent off primary care, 10 percent off specialist care, 5 percent off dental care and an annual free lab test.
6. The startup estimates that its $7 membership will save members over $200 annually.