Meghan Markle, ever the entrepreneur, is expanding her business portfolio with a reported investment in Midi Health, a women’s health startup specializing in virtual menopause care. Backed by actresses Amy Schumer and Connie Britton, Midi Health recently secured a significant $63 million in funding, with the Duchess of Sussex joining a cohort of high-profile female investors.
In an interview with Fortune magazine, Meghan articulated her motivation, stating, “Women need to see that they can build. Women don’t need to be afraid to talk about finance. And I think the more financial literacy we have, the stronger we’re going to be.” This aligns with her apparent focus on supporting female-founded ventures, with previous investments including coffee brand Clevr and haircare company Highbrow Hippie.
Meghan Markle’s Menopause Mission: Another Shameless Money Grab?
While the Duchess’s advocacy for female empowerment and financial literacy is laudable, the business model of Midi Health raises eyebrows, particularly concerning accessibility. The platform, which provides virtual consultations for women over 35 navigating menopause and related health concerns, comes with a hefty price tag for those paying out-of-pocket. An initial virtual “visit” costs a reported $250 with subsequent visits priced at $150.
This pricing structure immediately creates a barrier for many women who may not have robust insurance coverage or the financial means to afford such specialized care. While Midi Health is reportedly covered by some “preferred provider organization” (PPO) insurance plans in the US, it is not covered by Medicare, the federal health insurance program for older adults and those with disabilities. This exclusion potentially leaves a significant portion of the target demographic unable to access the services without incurring substantial personal expense.
The involvement of celebrity investors like Meghan Markle, Amy Schumer, and Connie Britton undoubtedly brings significant visibility to Midi Health and the often-stigmatized topic of menopause. Schumer herself has publicly praised the platform, revealing she received prescriptions for perimenopause symptoms through Midi Health and subsequently invested in the company.
However, the question remains whether this venture truly prioritizes accessibility for all women or primarily caters to a more affluent demographic. While Meghan’s statement champions financial literacy, the cost of entry to this particular health solution could inadvertently exacerbate existing inequalities in healthcare access.
The women’s health market is a burgeoning multi-billion dollar industry, and Midi Health positions itself within this potentially lucrative space. Meghan’s investment, while framed within a narrative of female empowerment, also strategically aligns her with a company poised for potential financial growth.
Ultimately, the success and impact of Meghan Markle’s investment in Midi Health will be judged not only by its financial returns and celebrity endorsements but also by its ability to genuinely address the healthcare needs of a diverse range of women experiencing menopause, transcending economic barriers and ensuring that vital information and care are not solely accessible to those who can afford a $250 virtual call. The Duchess’s stated commitment to women’s financial empowerment will be more powerfully demonstrated if the ventures she backs actively work towards equitable access for all.
