Apple is reportedly working with private Medicare health plans to subsidize the Apple Watch for seniors.
The company has been speaking with at least three Medicare plan providers to find ways to subsidize the price of the watch, CNBC reported Wednesday. At-risk seniors could reportedly use the Watch as a health tracker.
Medicare health plans are offered by private health insurers that receive government payouts for providing services to seniors. One type is called a Medicare Advantage plan, in which 19 million seniors enrolled, CNBC said.
The Apple Watch Series 3 starts at $279. The Series 4 starts at $399, and includes fall detection and an FDA-cleared EKG feature that warns wearers about abnormal heart rhythms. These features could be especially beneficial for older users.
There haven't been any official deals yet, people familiar with the matter told CNBC. Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Apple has previously worked with other insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, which last year launched a program offering free Apple Watches to those who meet certain walking goals. In 2017, it was reported that Aetna was in talks to offer millions more subsidized Apple Watches.
Apple Watch Series 4
Apple
-
reading•Apple reportedly working to bring Watch to seniors with private Medicare plans
-
Feb 16•TCL is working on a foldable phone that bends into a smartwatch
-
Feb 16•9 great reads from CNET this week
-
Feb 16•The phone trend you least expect makes you crave your phone more
-
Feb 16•AirPods, iPads and streaming: What we could see from a March Apple event
-
•See All
Discuss: Apple reportedly working to bring Watch to seniors with private Medicare plans
Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion.